By Faith Nyasuguta
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to 34 foreign diplomatic missions in Abuja, including Russia and Turkey, demanding immediate settlement of long-overdue ground rent or risk having their premises sealed.
The embassies collectively owe approximately USD $5,300, stemming from unpaid ground rent dating back 11 years. Ground rent is a mandatory obligation tied to land leases within the capital and is crucial for maintaining infrastructure and administrative services in the city.
The crackdown follows a directive by Minister Nyesom Wike (pictured) in May, targeting nearly 4,800 individuals and institutions behind on rent payments spanning up to 43 years. To prevent diplomatic tensions, President Bola Tinubu later issued a 14-day grace period for embassies to pay or provide evidence of prior payments. That deadline expires in early June.
Embassies with the Largest Debts:
Indonesia Defence Attachè- USD $1,718
Zambia High Commission- USD $1,190
Equatorial Guinea – USD $1,137
Venezuela – USD $459
Embassies with Smaller Debts:
Ghana (Defence Section) -USD $6
Thailand -USD $5
Côte d’Ivoire – USD $6
Russia – USD $1.10
Philippines – USD $6
Netherlands – USD $6
Turkey -USD $3.35
Guinea – USD $6
Despite the relatively small amounts owed by Russia and Turkey, their presence on the list has stirred diplomatic concerns. The Russian Embassy firmly denied any debt, stating: “The Embassy pays all rent bills in good faith and on time. We have all necessary documents confirming payment.” Similarly, the Turkish Embassy labeled its inclusion a bureaucratic error and said no formal notice had been received, pledging swift clarification.
Other embassies, including Germany, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, also contested their inclusion, with officials promising to investigate and resolve the matter.
FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, warned that defaulting missions could face severe penalties, including the sealing of premises, revocation of land titles, or fines up to USD $3,000. However, legal analysts argue that such actions risk breaching the Vienna Convention on diplomatic immunity.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Tinubu to approach enforcement cautiously, while prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana warned of possible international backlash if embassies are sanctioned or shut down.
As the clock ticks toward the payment deadline, missions have three choices: settle the full amount, submit documented proof of payment, or liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for intervention. Failure to do so could escalate tensions beyond financial disputes.
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