FCTA Threatens Closure of 34 Embassies Over Unpaid Ground Rent

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to shut down 34 embassies in Abuja for failing to pay ground rent arrears dating back 11 years, according to findings by The PUNCH.

However, 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), which were initially listed among defaulters, have reportedly cleared their dues.

A publication from the FCTA disclosed that several diplomatic missions have not paid ground rents since 2014, with a cumulative debt of N3,662,196. 

On May 26, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the enforcement of revocation on 4,794 properties for non-payment of ground rent, some spanning over four decades.

President Bola Tinubu later intervened, granting a 14-day grace period to allow affected property owners to regularize their obligations—a deadline that expires today.

Director of Lands at the FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, revealed that defaulting property owners face additional penalties ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on their location.

Among the embassies on the list are the Ghana High Commission Defence Section (N5,950), Thai Embassy (N5,350), Ivorian Embassy (N5,500), Russian Embassy (N1,100), Philippine Embassy (N5,950), Royal Netherlands Embassy (N5,950), Turkish Embassy (N3,350), and Guinea’s Embassy (N5,950).

Also mentioned are the embassies of Ireland (N500), Uganda (N5,950), Iraq (N550), Zambia (N1,189,990), Tanzania (N6,000), Germany (N1,000), Democratic Republic of Congo (N5,950), Venezuela (N459,055), South Korea (N5,950), and Trinidad and Tobago (N500).

Other embassies owing ground rent include Egypt (N5,950), Chad (N5,950), Sierra Leone (N5,900), India (N150), Sudan (N5,950), Niger Republic (N500), Kenya (N5,950), Zimbabwe (N500), Ethiopia (N5,950), and Indonesia’s Defence Attaché (N1,718,211).

Additionally, the EU Delegation (N1,500), Switzerland (N5,950), Saudi Arabia (N5,950), China’s Economic and Commercial Office (N12,000), South Africa (N4,950), and Equatorial Guinea (N1,137,240) were listed.

The Russian Embassy has denied owing any dues, insisting it has met all its financial obligations and possesses receipts as proof. 

Similarly, the Turkish Embassy expressed surprise at its inclusion, attributing the matter to a potential administrative mix-up.

A representative of the German Embassy told The PUNCH that no official notice of indebtedness had been received, emphasizing that all dues were cleared as of the end of 2024. 

The embassy reiterated its commitment to transparency and strong relations with Nigerian authorities.

Ghana’s High Commission said it had not been formally notified but would consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for clarification.

At the Sierra Leone Embassy, an official said they were unaware of the issue but promised to investigate upon returning to the office.

In response to the embassies’ denials, FCT minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, assured that the ministry would probe the claims and take necessary action.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, cautioned that diplomatic premises are protected under the 1961 Vienna Convention, though they are still expected to comply with local laws concerning property. 

He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to handle the issue with diplomacy and on a case-by-case basis.

Foreign policy analyst Charles Onunaiju argued that applying local property laws to diplomatic missions contradicts international agreements, warning that any attempt to seal embassy premises would be a breach of diplomatic protocols and could lead to strained relations.

Meanwhile, a source close to the PDP confirmed the party had resolved its outstanding rent issues with the FCT Minister. 

“The payment was made last Friday, and everything has been sorted,” the source said.

Lere Olayinka noted that verifying payments is sometimes delayed due to the variety of channels used, such as Remita and other online platforms, emphasizing the importance of submitting proof of payment.

The FIRS also resolved its dispute with the FCTA after its offices were temporarily sealed on May 26 over unpaid dues—a move the agency initially denied. 

A senior FIRS official, Tyofa Abeghe, explained that the agency had paid over N2.3 million three months after receiving a demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System in September 2023.

Similarly, NAPTIP, whose office was also sealed, has now settled its ground rent, according to a source within the agency.