According to FCTA documents, the embassies owe a combined ₦3,662,196 in unpaid rent. While diplomatic properties are generally protected under international law, the FCTA says this debt must be settled.
Several agencies initially listed as defaulters, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have since cleared their debts, First News gathered.
The minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on May 26 directed officials to enforce penalties on 4,794 properties revoked over non-payment of ground rent spanning up to 43 years. However, President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period that expires today.
According to the FCTA’s Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, defaulters will face fines ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million, depending on the location of their properties.
