N3.6bn ground rent: FG in last-minute talks with embassies

Abuja

The Federal Government has indicated that concerns over ground rent obligations involving several foreign embassies in the Federal Capital Territory will be addressed through established diplomatic processes.

Speaking to our correspondent on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the matter would be taken up with the Federal Capital Territory Administration and handled accordingly.

“The ministry will take up the matter with FCTA and it will be addressed via diplomatic channels,” Ebienfa said.

The assurance followed reports that the FCTA might take enforcement action, including the possible sealing of 34 embassies over unpaid ground rents dating back to 2014.

According to a public notice from the FCTA, the embassies collectively owed over N3.6bn in unpaid ground rent.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had previously ordered enforcement on nearly 4,800 properties, citing prolonged non-payment, but President Bola Tinubu later intervened, granting a two-week grace period for the affected individuals and organisations to settle their debts.

Defaulting entities are also expected to pay penalties ranging between N2m and N3m, depending on location, according to the FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze. Punch