34 Embassies in Abuja at Risk of Closure Over 11 Years of Unpaid Ground Rent

Thirty-four foreign embassies in Abuja are facing possible closure by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) after allegedly defaulting on ground rent payments dating back to 2014. Combined, the embassies owe roughly ₦3.66 million, covering arrears on diplomatic land leases that have accumulated over 11 years. The FCTA’s publication of the defaulters list has triggered concerns among diplomatic missions and observers.

Under the direction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, enforcement began on May 26 across 4,794 properties, including these embassies, some of which have remained unpaid for between 10 and 43 years. President Bola Tinubu intervened by granting defaulters a 14-day grace period ending on June 9 to settle outstanding dues and penalties ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million depending on the property location.

Several embassies, including those of Russia, Turkey, and Germany, have denied the allegations. Russia maintains it pays all rent bills on time, while Turkey and Germany described their inclusion as bureaucratic errors and stated they had received no official notice. Diplomats have urged the use of proper diplomatic channels to resolve the discrepancies in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

Legal experts, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana and civil society groups like SERAP, have warned against sealing embassy premises. They argue that such actions would violate international law and diplomatic norms. They urged engagement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and possible judicial remedies, noting the inviolable status of diplomatic missions under Article 22 of the Vienna Convention.

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