More than 30 foreign embassies, including Ghana’s High Commission, are at risk of being shut down by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) due to unpaid ground rent arrears totaling N3.66 million.
The affected missions, some of which have reportedly defaulted since 2014, were given a 14-day ultimatum by President Bola Tinubu to settle their debts or face sanctions, including the possible sealing of embassy premises.
Embassies named on the defaulters’ list include Ghana, Russia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, the Philippines, Netherlands, Turkey, Guinea, Ireland, Uganda, Iraq, Zambia, Germany, Venezuela, South Korea, India, Sudan, Niger, and Kenya.
However, some of the embassies, including Russia and Germany, have denied owing rent and claimed they have made all necessary payments. Diplomatic officials from Turkey, Germany, and Ghana expressed surprise at their inclusion, with some stating they had not received any official notice regarding outstanding obligations.
“We were surprised by our inclusion on the list,” one official said, adding that the matter would be reviewed internally.
A spokesperson for the FCT Minister noted that the administration would investigate and correct any discrepancies if they are confirmed.
Meanwhile, diplomatic experts have urged restraint, warning of the international implications of sealing embassies.
Former ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode and analyst Charles Onunaiju recommended bilateral dialogue and coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid diplomatic fallout.
