Monday June 9, 2025|

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to shut down 34 embassies in Abuja for failing to pay ground rent dating back as far as 2014, FirstNEWS reports.

According to FCTA documents, the embassies owe a combined ₦3,662,196 in unpaid rent. While diplomatic properties are generally protected under international law, the FCTA says this debt must be settled.

Several agencies initially listed as defaulters, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have since cleared their debts, First News gathered.

The minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on May 26 directed officials to enforce penalties on 4,794 properties revoked over non-payment of ground rent spanning up to 43 years. However, President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period that expires today.

According to the FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, defaulters will face fines ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million, depending on the location of their properties.

Embassies listed include the Ghana High Commission Defence Section (₦5,950), Thailand (₦5,350), Côte d’Ivoire (₦5,500), Russia (₦1,100), the Philippines (₦5,950), the Royal Netherlands (₦5,950), Turkey (₦3,350), and Guinea (₦5,950).

Also listed are Ireland (₦500), Uganda (₦5,950), Iraq (₦550), Zambia (₦1,189,990), Tanzania (₦6,000), Germany (₦1,000), DR Congo (₦5,950), Venezuela (₦459,055), Korea (₦5,950), and Trinidad and Tobago (₦500).

Other missions owing include Egypt, Chad, Sierra Leone, India, Sudan, Niger, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the EU delegation, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, China’s trade office, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea.

Some embassies have since denied owing any rent. The Russian Embassy said, “The Embassy pays all bills for the rent of the territory on which the Embassy complex is located in good faith and on time. The Embassy also has all necessary documents confirming payment.”

The Turkish Embassy also questioned its inclusion. “We have not received a formal notification about the debt. We regularly make our payments on time, and we will check if we are on the list because of a bureaucratic mistake or a misunderstanding, and will fix the issue as soon as possible,” said an embassy official.

Similarly, the German Embassy stated, “No such claim or demand has been formally brought to our attention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration… We can confirm that all official financial obligations relating to the Embassy’s premises have been fully settled as of the end of 2024. There are no known outstanding payments.

“The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany highly values its respectful and cooperative relationship with the government of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory Administration and remains fully committed to transparency and mutual trust.”

The Ghana High Commission said it had not been formally informed but would contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The High Commission has noted the publication but has not been officially communicated to. We will liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter.”

A Sierra Leone official said, “I am not aware and I am not in the office now. On my return, I will inform my authorities to cross-check.”

Reacting to the embassies’ claims, FCT minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, said, “This claim will be promptly investigated and appropriate action will be taken.”