Ghana, 33 Embassies in Abuja Face Shutdown Over Unpaid Rent
Embassies given 14-day ultimatum as FCTA moves to recover over N3.6 million in rent arrears; some missions dispute claims, warn of diplomatic fallout
- Over 30 embassies, including Ghana’s, risk closure over unpaid ground rent since 2014
- President Tinubu issues 14-day deadline to settle debts or face sanctions
- Some embassies deny owing rent, warning of diplomatic consequences
Over 30 foreign embassies in Abuja — including Ghana’s High Commission — are facing potential closure as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) launches enforcement measures against longstanding unpaid ground rent.
The FCTA claims these diplomatic missions have failed to settle arrears that stretch back to 2014, totaling approximately N3.66 million. Despite repeated notices, the embassies reportedly did not address the debt, triggering the government’s decision to act.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a 14-day ultimatum for defaulters to clear their dues or face punitive actions, including the sealing of embassy premises.
Countries reportedly on the FCTA’s list 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.
However, some embassies, such as those of Russia and Germany, have contested the claims, insisting they are up to date on payments. Representatives from Ghana, Germany, and Turkey expressed confusion at their inclusion and noted they had received no formal notice. They pledged to investigate the issue internally.
An FCTA spokesperson confirmed that any administrative errors would be addressed following proper investigation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic experts have cautioned against aggressive measures. Former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode and analyst Charles Onunaiju warned that sealing embassies could strain international relations, urging a resolution through diplomatic channels and collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
