In recent months, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. His latest declaration, threatening to seal off embassies in Abuja over unpaid ground rent, has not only raised eyebrows but has exposed a deep-seated ignorance about the sacred and inviolable nature of diplomatic missions under international law. Such a threat is not only diplomatically reckless but could also damage Nigeria’s global reputation, especially in an era where the country seeks foreign investment and improved international relations.
First, let us clear the air with a basic truth: an embassy is not just an ordinary building situated on a foreign land; it is considered the sovereign territory of the country it represents. This sacred diplomatic principle is not folklore or a matter of perception; it is enshrined in international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The Vienna Convention is a cornerstone document that governs diplomatic relations between states. Article 22 of this convention explicitly states: “The premises of the mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the head of the mission.” In simpler terms, embassies enjoy a unique status: they are off-limits to host country authorities, including law enforcement or municipal authorities like the FCT administration.
So, when Wike issues a threat to seal embassies, he is effectively threatening to violate an international treaty. This is no small matter. It implies that Nigeria is willing to flout international norms, which could invite reciprocal actions against Nigerian embassies abroad. The doctrine of reciprocity in diplomacy is real and robust; if Nigeria sets a precedent by sealing embassies, it risks similar treatment in other nations, potentially putting our diplomats at risk.
Embassies are more than just parcels of land or fancy architectural structures. They are safe havens, negotiation grounds, asylum sanctuaries, and conduits for bilateral relations. Throughout history, we have seen dissidents and refugees seek protection within embassy walls, highlighting their role as sanctuaries of human rights. Recall the famous case of Julian Assange, who stayed for years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London to avoid extradition.
Closer home, several Nigerian citizens have sought refuge in embassies abroad, especially during military regimes or politically turbulent times. The understanding that an embassy is inviolable is what has protected many lives. To think of sealing such a place over unpaid rent is to trivialize centuries of diplomatic customs and agreements.
Without a doubt, Nyesom Wike has earned a reputation for being brash and authoritative, a style he often flaunted during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. However, Abuja is not Port Harcourt. The FCT, being the seat of power and diplomacy, demands a more nuanced and educated approach to governance, especially when international stakeholders are involved.
If embassies owe ground rent, a matter still up for clarification, since many diplomatic properties are often exempt from such payments under bilateral agreements, then the appropriate channel is diplomatic engagement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is not a matter to be addressed with megaphones and media threats but with finesse and understanding of international protocols.
Wike’s approach betrays a dangerous ignorance that could have far-reaching implications. Nigeria already faces multiple image issues on the global stage, from corruption to insecurity. Adding diplomatic hostility to that list is the last thing the country needs.
Some might argue that unpaid ground rent affects the FCT’s internally generated revenue (IGR). While that is a valid concern, one must weigh it against the economic and political cost of souring diplomatic relations, even as Nigeria cannot in this political era afford the real cost of diplomatic fallout.
In fact, embassies represent nations that invest in Nigeria, provide developmental aid, and host millions of Nigerian citizens on their soil. A single act of diplomatic misconduct can trigger strained relations, canceled investments, and reduced bilateral cooperation.
Recall the diplomatic spat between Nigeria and Indonesia over the assault of a Nigerian diplomat. It took weeks of high-level negotiation to contain the fallout. Now imagine the backlash if multiple embassies in Nigeria are sealed unlawfully. The reverberations could include visa restrictions, reduction in diplomatic staff, or worse, economic sanctions.
In public office, especially at such a sensitive level as the FCT Minister, ignorance of international law is not just inexcusable; it is dangerous. Wike’s lack of understanding could set off a diplomatic crisis if not immediately checked by more knowledgeable authorities.
It is imperative that President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, step in to rein in Wike before more damage is done. There should also be an internal review of how such sensitive matters are handled within the FCT administration. Threats and strong-arm tactics have no place in international diplomacy.
Given the dire diplomatic consequences which Wike;s threat portends, Nigeria must rise above his characteristic theatrics to preempt him from ignorantly or arrogantly trampling on international norms. It is time to educate leaders like Wike about the sanctity of diplomatic institutions. This can be done through mandatory training on international protocols and better synergy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Instead of threatening to seal embassies, Wike should focus on creating an enabling environment in Abuja for diplomatic and international engagement. This includes infrastructure development, security enhancement, and inter-agency collaboration. Such efforts will earn him respect both at home and abroad.
In conclusion, embassies are not mere tenants in the FCT. They are representatives of sovereign nations and must be treated with the utmost respect and legal correctness. Nyesom Wike’s threats to seal embassies over ground rent not only betray a fundamental misunderstanding of international law but also endanger Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
In fact, if Nigeria must move forward as a respected member of the global community, it must start by educating its public officials about the sacred facts surrounding diplomacy. And that education must start now, with Wike.
