The Federal Government has initiated last-minute diplomatic consultations to resolve the ongoing dispute over unpaid ground rents amounting to over N3.6 billion, involving 34 foreign embassies operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking with Hobnob News on Sunday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the matter would be addressed in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through diplomatic channels.
“The ministry will take up the matter with FCTA and it will be addressed via diplomatic channels,” Ebienfa stated.
This assurance comes amid growing concerns that the FCTA may begin enforcement actions — including the possible sealing of diplomatic premises — if the outstanding debts are not settled. The rent arrears reportedly date back to 2014, prompting fears of a diplomatic rift if not managed appropriately.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had previously directed enforcement on nearly 4,800 properties due to long-standing non-payment of ground rents. However, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, a two-week grace period was granted for all defaulters, including diplomatic missions, to regularize their payments.
According to Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Lands at the FCTA, embassies in default may also be subjected to penalties ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on the property’s location and classification.
Embassies reportedly owing include:
Ghana High Commission (Defence Section) – N5,950
Embassy of Thailand – N5,350
Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire – N5,500
Russian Federation – N1,100
Philippines – N5,950
Royal Netherlands Embassy – N5,950
Turkey – N3,350
Republic of Guinea – N5,950
Ireland – N500
Uganda – N5,950
Iraq – N550
Zambia High Commission – N1,189,990
Other diplomatic missions on the FCTA’s list include:
Tanzania – N6,000
Germany – N1,000
Democratic Republic of Congo – N5,950
Venezuela – N459,055
Republic of Korea – N5,950
Trinidad and Tobago – N500
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
Indonesia (Defence Attaché) – N1,718,211
European Union Delegation – N1,500
Switzerland – N5,950
Saudi Arabia – N5,950
China (ECO Section) – N12,000
South Africa – N4,950
Equatorial Guinea – N1,137,240
However, not all embassies have accepted their inclusion on the list. The Russian Embassy strongly denied owing any ground rent. Similarly, the Embassy of Turkey attributed its listing to a likely administrative error. The German Embassy noted that no official correspondence had been received on the matter, while the Embassy of the DRC issued a statement confirming full payment of all land charges.
The Ghana High Commission, though acknowledging the public listing, said it had not received formal notification and would seek clarification through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The issue has sparked renewed debate over the need for improved inter-agency coordination and timely communication between Nigerian authorities and foreign missions, to avoid diplomatic misunderstandings.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter amicably in accordance with international diplomatic protocols, while encouraging affected missions to engage with relevant authorities.
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