UK Authorities Report: Nigerian Embassy in London Owes £8.3 Million in Congestion Charges
By: Opeseitan Elijah
Transport for London (TfL) has disclosed that the Nigerian Embassy in London has accrued congestion charges amounting to £8,395,055.
These congestion charges are fees imposed on drivers who enter a designated central zone of the city during specific hours, aimed at reducing traffic congestion by discouraging unnecessary car use.
According to city authorities, the Nigerian Embassy has been unable to settle its congestion charge debts since 2003. Among the 48 foreign debtors listed by TfL, the Nigerian Embassy ranks fourth.
The American embassy tops the list, owing nearly £15 million, which represents 10.3 percent of the total £143,527,113 owed by various countries. Following the U.S. are Japan, with a debt of £10 million (7.1 percent), and the High Commission of India, owing £8.5 million (6.0 percent). The Nigerian Embassy’s debt accounts for 5.9 percent of the total.
TfL emphasized that the congestion charge “is a charge for a service and not a tax,” clarifying that diplomats are not exempt from this fee.
The UK government is considering escalating the issue to the International Court of Justice to enforce penalties on nations that refuse to pay their dues. The TfL stated, “We will continue to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charge fees and related penalty charge notices and are pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice.
