Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the financial and operational difficulties facing Nigeria’s Diplomatic and Consular Missions across the globe, citing challenges such as unpaid staff salaries, unsettled service bills, and delays in foreign service allowances.
According to the Ministry, these setbacks are not isolated but reflect broader economic realities at home, which have limited budgetary allocations in recent years and hindered the full functioning of several Missions.
In response, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved special intervention funds to cushion the hardship, prioritising payments to service providers, locally recruited staff, and arrears owed to officers. More than 80 per cent of cleared funds have already been disbursed, officials confirmed.
The Ministry has also engaged the Office of the Accountant-General to recover shortfalls caused by foreign exchange differentials under Nigeria’s new monetary policy. The first tranche of these refunds has been released, with Missions confirming receipt. In addition, Second Semester Allocations for personnel and overhead costs have been approved, with disbursements commencing this week.
Looking ahead, the Ministry revealed that work is ongoing to establish a sustainable financial model for Nigeria’s foreign missions. This includes exploring innovative solutions and efficiency measures as part of wider public sector financial reforms.
Despite the constraints, the government praised the resilience and patriotism of Nigerian diplomats who continue to serve diligently under challenging circumstances. It also extended appreciation to host governments, service providers, and international partners for their cooperation and understanding.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global diplomacy, the Ministry assured citizens at home and abroad that the welfare of diplomatic staff and the protection of Nigerians worldwide remain top priorities of the Tinubu administration.
