More than 30 foreign embassies in Nigeria, including Ghana’s High Commission in Abuja, risk closure as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) begins enforcement action over unpaid ground rent.
The FCTA says the affected diplomatic missions have accumulated arrears dating back to 2014, totalling N3.66 million.
Despite multiple notices, many have allegedly failed to settle their debts, prompting a firm response from authorities.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a 14-day ultimatum for all defaulters to clear their outstanding payments or face sanctions, including the possible sealing of embassy premises.
Countries listed as defaulters include Ghana, Russia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Germany, Venezuela, South Korea, India, Sudan, Niger, and Kenya, among others.
However, some of the named missions, including those of Russia, Germany, and Ghana, have denied owing rent.
Diplomatic officials say they are unaware of any outstanding obligations and suspect administrative errors may have led to their inclusion on the list.
Representatives from the Turkish, German, and Ghanaian embassies expressed surprise at the claims, indicating they had not received formal notice.
They have pledged to investigate the matter internally.
The FCT Minister’s spokesperson responded that any discrepancies brought to their attention would be reviewed and corrected where necessary.
Diplomatic experts have urged restraint, warning that any rash enforcement could damage bilateral relations.
Former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode and foreign policy analyst Charles Onunaiju emphasised the need for diplomacy and recommended that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lead efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than enforcement alone.
“The potential sealing of embassies could provoke serious diplomatic consequences, these matters are best handled with tact and communication,” Amedu-Ode warned.
