The Federal Government has assured that the issue of unpaid ground rents by several foreign embassies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be resolved through diplomatic procedures. This assurance comes amid growing concerns over the embassies’ failure to meet land-use financial obligations.
Speaking on the matter, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that discussions would be held with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to ensure the issue is handled appropriately and within the bounds of international diplomatic norms.
The statement follows reports that the FCTA is considering enforcement actions, including the possible sealing of 34 embassies that have allegedly defaulted on ground rent payments since 2014. The embassies are said to owe over ₦3.6 billion, according to a public notice issued by the FCTA.
