Transporation for London (TfL) has called on the Nigerian government to settle an outstanding embassy rent debt of £8.4 million, which has been unpaid since 2003, marking nearly two decades. The UK has listed Nigeria as one of the “stubborn minority” debtors among 48 foreign entities failing to pay their embassy ground rents over the years.
Nigeria’s debt of £8,395,055 places it fourth on the list of delinquent debtors, following the American embassy, Japan, and the High Commission for India. Despite diplomatic efforts to collect the unpaid fees, some embassies have refused to comply with the congestion charge scheme enforced by TfL.
TfL clarified that the embassy congestion charge is a fee for services, not a tax, and therefore applicable to diplomats residing in London. The UK government is considering escalating the matter to the International Court of Justice to ensure that non-compliant nations face penalties for their refusal to settle their debts.
This recent callout by the UK rekindles a previous appeal made by Nigerian FCT Minister Nyesom Wike earlier this year. In February, Minister Wike urged the British High Commission and other foreign embassies to settle their overdue ground rent or face the risk of license revocation.
