Overview

The Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act (1962) is a Nigerian law that consolidates and amends enactments relating to diplomatic immunities and privileges. It is structured into three parts: Part I covers diplomatic immunities and privileges of foreign envoys, consular officers, and Commonwealth representatives; Part II addresses immunities and privileges of international organizations and persons connected therewith; Part III contains miscellaneous and supplemental provisions. Key sections include: Section 1 grants immunity from suit, legal process, and inviolability of residence and official archives to foreign envoys, consular officers, their families, and staff, as previously entitled under Nigerian law. Section 2 allows waiver of immunity by a foreign envoy or consular officer with government consent. Section 3 extends similar immunities to the chief representative of a Commonwealth country. Section 4 provides immunities for members of staff and families of envoys. Section 5 allows regulations to confer consular immunity. Sections 6 and 7 deal with immunities of Commonwealth representatives attending conferences and waiver thereof. Section 8 permits reciprocal withdrawal of personal immunities. Section 9 grants power to exempt other governments from taxation. Section 10 limits personal immunities for Nigerian citizens and residents. Part II includes Section 11, which grants immunities to certain international organizations, and Section 12, which empowers conferring immunity on certain persons. Section 13 defines the extent of privileges. Section 14 covers immunities of representatives at international conferences. Section 15 allows organizations and persons to waive immunity. Section 16 provides for reciprocal treatment. Part III includes Section 17 on taxation exemptions, Section 18 on certificates of the Minister, Section 19 on adding Commonwealth countries, Section 20 on regulations, Section 21 on laying orders before the legislature, and Section 22 on interpretation. The Act includes six schedules detailing immunities and privileges of international organizations, representatives, officers, and staff, as well as enactments repealed. The Act commenced on 27 December 1962.

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