Wike Moves to Close Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Canada, 31 Other Embassies Over Unpaid Ground Rents in Abuja

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to 34 foreign embassies in Abuja, threatening to shut down their operations due to unpaid ground rents spanning 11 years. The embassies, which collectively owe N3.66 million, face potential closure as part of a broader enforcement crackdown on property owners defaulting on statutory land obligations.

According to a report by The PUNCH, the FCTA has been intensifying efforts to recover outstanding ground rents under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. A public notice issued by the FCTA revealed that many diplomatic missions have failed to pay ground rents since 2014, with the affected embassies located in high-profile districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, and Wuse.

The notice follows a 14-day ultimatum issued on May 26, 2025, after President Bola Tinubu intervened to grant defaulters a grace period to settle their debts.

We would like to clarify that no such claim or demand has been formally brought to our attention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration

The German Embassy, one of those listed, denied receiving any formal demand from the FCTA, asserting that all financial obligations related to its premises were settled by the end of 2024.

“We would like to clarify that no such claim or demand has been formally brought to our attention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” the embassy stated, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining cooperative relations with the Nigerian government.

The FCTA’s enforcement actions have already seen high-profile properties sealed, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, Access Bank, and TotalEnergies in Wuse, for unpaid rents dating back decades. The FCTA reported that 4,794 properties had their titles revoked for non-payment spanning 10 to 43 years, with penalties ranging from N2 million to N5 million depending on the property’s location.

These revocations were executed in accordance with the law

FCT Minister Wike has defended the aggressive measures, citing the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the FCTA to revoke titles for non-compliance. “These revocations were executed in accordance with the law,” Wike stated, urging property owners to pay their dues to support infrastructure development in Abuja.

He emphasized that ground rent revenue is critical for funding projects, as Abuja lacks other significant revenue sources like oil.

The affected embassies include those of Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, and Zimbabwe, among others, as listed in earlier FCTA notices. In February 2024, the FCTA published a list of 43 diplomatic missions owing $5.36 million, with Zambia and Niger Republic topping the list at $2 million each.

The enforcement has sparked debate, with some critics, including FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, arguing that the sealing of properties is being conducted outside legal bounds and risks undermining public trust. Kingibe described the actions as threatening the economic stability of the FCT.

FCT Department of Land Administration” and “FCC Ground Rent” to settle their bills

Meanwhile, some organizations, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have settled their outstanding rents following earlier enforcement actions. A PDP source confirmed that payments were made to resolve issues with the FCTA, while NAPTIP also cleared its debts after its office was sealed.

With the 14-day grace period ending today, June 9, 2025, the FCTA is poised to escalate its enforcement if the embassies fail to comply. Property owners are advised to make payments via the Remita platform, selecting “FCT Department of Land Administration” and “FCC Ground Rent” to settle their bills.

The potential closure of diplomatic missions raises concerns about Nigeria’s international relations, with analysts warning that the move could strain ties with affected countries. As the deadline looms, all eyes are on the FCTA and the embassies to see if resolutions can be reached to avert an unprecedented diplomatic fallout.