Tensions are brewing between the Nigerian government and several foreign missions in Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stark ultimatum to 34 embassies, including those of Russia, Ghana, and Indonesia, over unpaid ground rent fees dating back to 2014.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the embassies have amassed a combined debt of ₦3.6 million—a violation of the land lease agreements binding all landholders, including diplomatic properties, within the Federal Capital Territory. Ground rent is a statutory levy meant to support infrastructure and administrative operations in the capital.
In a public notice, the FCTA named several high-profile defaulters, with the Indonesia Defence Attaché topping the list at ₦1.7 million, followed by the Zambia High Commission (₦1.18 million), the Government of Equatorial Guinea (₦1.13 million), and the Embassy of Venezuela (₦459,055). Other missions named include those of Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Thailand, the Netherlands, Turkey, the Philippines, Russia, and Guinea, with individual debts ranging from ₦1,100 to ₦5,950.
But the public fallout has already begun.
Also, read: Tems to Headline Historic FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show in New Jersey
The Embassy of the Russian Federation swiftly rejected the FCTA’s claim, stating unequivocally that it had fulfilled all its financial obligations.
“The Embassy pays all rent bills in good faith and on time. We have all necessary documents confirming payment,” a spokesperson said.
Similarly, Turkey’s Embassy expressed surprise at its inclusion, calling the situation likely a bureaucratic error.
“We make our payments regularly and have not received any formal notice. We’ll investigate and resolve any misunderstanding,” a Turkish official told reporters.
The German Embassy, while also listed, clarified that it had received no official notice from the FCTA and confirmed that all dues were cleared as of the end of 2024. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation.
The Ghana High Commission acknowledged the report but stated it had not been officially informed and would consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify and resolve the matter.
An official from the Embassy of Sierra Leone said they were unaware of the development and would look into it upon returning to the office.
While the FCTA’s warning hints at possible closure of diplomatic premises if payments are not made, it remains unclear what enforcement measures—if any—can be legally pursued against sovereign missions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Still, the standoff signals a growing urgency on the Nigerian government’s part to reclaim owed revenue as the country continues to battle mounting fiscal challenges.
As diplomatic missions scramble to verify records and assess their standing, the controversy raises broader questions about communication gaps between host governments and foreign embassies—and the bureaucratic cracks in how obligations are tracked and enforced.
