Over 30 embassies in Abuja, including those of Zambia, Indonesia, and Equatorial Guinea, face possible closure today as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) moves to enforce the payment of long-standing ground rent arrears. The total debt, which spans over a decade, is valued at ₦3.66 billion, prompting authorities to act after several warnings and a presidential grace period expired.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier granted a 14-day window for defaulters to settle their dues or face consequences, including a ₦2 million to ₦3 million penalty depending on the property’s location. While some missions contest their inclusion on the list—such as Russia, Germany, and Turkey—official records show that rent has remained unpaid for up to 11 years.
Diplomatic experts warn that while host countries have the right to enforce property laws, forcibly shutting down embassies could breach the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Analysts urge diplomatic dialogue to avoid a standoff that may strain Nigeria’s foreign relations.