The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has admitted that Nigeria’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad are facing serious financial and operational challenges, including unpaid staff salaries, rent, and service obligations.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry confirmed that the ongoing economic pressures at home have affected allocations to embassies and consulates across the world, leaving many struggling to function optimally. The spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the situation has resulted from years of budgetary shortfalls and the impact of foreign exchange differentials on government spending.
Despite these difficulties, the ministry assured Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as the international community, that the welfare of its staff and their families remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The government has already approved and released special intervention funds to ease the hardship faced by embassies, with over 80 percent of available funds cleared for payments. According to the ministry, priority is being given to service providers, landlords, and the salaries of locally recruited staff.
The statement also revealed that the Accountant-General’s Office has been directed to refund shortfalls in the 2024 fiscal year allocations, while the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are working on prompt disbursement of personnel and overhead funds to stabilize operations abroad. The ministry confirmed that the first tranche of funds has already been received by several missions, with the second tranche also approved for release.
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Beyond the immediate interventions, the ministry disclosed that it is exploring long-term financial models, including efficiency measures and innovative solutions, to ensure sustainable funding for Nigeria’s foreign missions. It praised the resilience of Nigerian diplomats, who continue to serve with patriotism under challenging circumstances, while also thanking host governments and international partners for their support.
“The current challenges are temporary,” Ebienfa stated, stressing that the Tinubu administration is committed to robust diplomacy and the protection of Nigerian citizens worldwide. He reaffirmed that the government will continue to provide the necessary support to its missions to ensure they function at full capacity.
With these measures, the ministry expressed confidence that Nigeria’s foreign missions will soon return to stability, reinforcing the country’s role on the global stage and strengthening its diplomatic presence across continents.
