At least 34 foreign embassies in Abuja risk being shut down over unpaid ground rent, some of which have accumulated for over a decade, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned.
A notice from the FCTA revealed that diplomatic missions collectively owe approximately N3.66 million in ground rent, with some debts dating as far back as 2014.
The action is part of a broader enforcement drive ordered by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had earlier approved the revocation of 4,794 properties over unpaid rent obligations ranging from 10 to 43 years.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, a 14-day grace period was granted to allow affected entities to settle their dues.
The deadline expires today (Monday, June 10).
Director of Land at the FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated that defaulters could face additional penalties of N2 million to N3 million, depending on property location.
Embassies on the Default List
Among the diplomatic missions listed are:
Ghana High Commission (Defence Section) – N5,950
Embassy of Thailand – N5,350
Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire – N5,500
Embassy of Russia – N1,100
Embassy of the Philippines – N5,950
Royal Netherlands Embassy – N5,950
Embassy of Turkey – N3,350
Embassy of the Republic of Guinea – N5,950
Embassy of Germany – N1,000
Embassy of Venezuela – N459,055
Embassy of Egypt – N5,950
Embassy of Ethiopia – N5,950
China Economic & Commercial Counselor’s Office – N12,000
Government of Equatorial Guinea – N1,137,240
Also on the list are the embassies or high commissions of Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Tanzania, Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Sudan, Niger, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Indonesia (Defence Attaché), Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the European Union Delegation.
Denials and Reactions
Some embassies have strongly denied the allegations:
The Russian Embassy insisted it has consistently met all its financial obligations and possesses the necessary receipts.
The Turkish Embassy claimed no formal notice had been received and suspected a bureaucratic error.
The German Embassy said it was unaware of any debt and confirmed full settlement of rent payments through 2024.
The Ghanaian High Commission acknowledged the publication but said it had not received official communication and would engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Sierra Leone Embassy also stated it was unaware of the issue and would investigate.
FCTA’s Response
Reacting to the embassies’ denials, FCTA spokesperson Lere Olayinka said all such claims would be investigated.
He noted that some payments may have been made via online platforms like Remita, and receipts must be submitted for verification.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
A former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, urged caution, citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) which grants diplomatic premises inviolability.
However, he acknowledged that embassies are still expected to respect local laws and financial obligations.
Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju echoed similar concerns, warning that any forced enforcement against diplomatic buildings could breach international law and strain bilateral relations.
Other Institutions Settle Debts
Meanwhile, institutions such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)—initially listed among defaulters—have reportedly settled their outstanding dues.
FIRS had previously clashed with the FCTA after its office was sealed over alleged non-payment.
However, the tax agency provided proof of payment and the matter was resolved.