Nigerian Government Moves to Stabilise Struggling Foreign Missions Amid Mounting Debts
The Federal Government has admitted that several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad are battling serious financial and operational challenges, from unpaid staff salaries to rising debts owed to landlords and service providers.
A statement issued on Monday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the constraints have significantly disrupted the smooth running of embassies and consulates in different countries.
“The ministry is not unaware of the restrictions that financial limitations have placed on the smooth running of the missions, including the inability to pay salaries of locally recruited staff, financial obligations to service providers, rent to landlords, and the foreign service allowance to home-based officers,” the statement explained.
Budget Shortfalls and Economic Realities
According to the ministry, these financial difficulties are not isolated incidents but stem from years of budgetary shortfalls, compounded by Nigeria’s broader economic realities. This has hindered the ability of missions abroad to effectively deliver on their diplomatic and consular responsibilities.
Despite these setbacks, Ebienfa assured Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that the welfare of diplomatic staff and their families remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Government’s Intervention Measures
To cushion the hardship faced by embassies, the government has rolled out several intervention strategies:
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Special intervention funds have been approved and released to struggling missions.
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A debt verification committee has been set up to assess claims, ensuring payments are fair and transparent.
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Over 80% of available funds have already been cleared for critical expenses, prioritising staff salaries, service providers, and arrears owed to officers.
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Engagements with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are underway to fast-track personnel and overhead cost allocations.
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Refunds are being processed to address shortfalls caused by recent foreign exchange reforms.
With these measures, some missions have begun to stabilise, according to the ministry.
Building a Sustainable Funding Model
The government also disclosed that it is working on a long-term financial model to sustainably fund Nigerian missions abroad. This includes exploring innovative financing solutions, cutting waste, and aligning allocations with Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms.
The ministry praised the resilience of Nigerian diplomats who continue to serve under difficult conditions and thanked host governments, service providers, and international partners for their patience and cooperation.
“The current challenges are temporary and will be overcome,” the statement concluded, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the welfare of its citizens abroad while maintaining a strong global diplomatic presence.
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