Philomina Brando
The Federal Government has admitted that several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad are facing severe financial and operational constraints, with issues ranging from unpaid staff salaries to mounting debts owed to landlords and service providers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed on Monday by its spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the difficulties have hindered the smooth functioning of embassies and consulates in different countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to acknowledge the financial and operational constraints recently being experienced by several of our diplomatic and consular missions abroad,” the statement read.
It further explained that the situation stems from budgetary limitations and economic realities at home, which have significantly affected the ability of missions to operate effectively.
According to the Ministry, the current financial strain reflects Nigeria’s broader fiscal difficulties. “The financial situation in our Missions stems from budgetary limitations over the years, resulting in shortfalls in allocations, which in turn have significantly impacted the optimal functioning of many of our Missions abroad, and the ability to deliver on their core diplomatic and consular mandates effectively,” it stated.
Despite these constraints, the Ministry stressed that the welfare of diplomatic staff remains a priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The government is taking decisive and concrete steps to address the issues of fund allocation to all its Missions abroad. One such remedial measure was the approval and release of special intervention funds to cushion the effects of the hardship faced by some of the Missions,” Ebienfa explained.
On how the intervention funds are being deployed, the Ministry said a verification committee was set up to confirm the debt profiles of missions in order to ensure transparency.
“Based on responses from Missions and documentary evidence provided, more than 80 per cent of the available funds have been cleared for payments, with priority given to service providers, salaries of locally recruited staff and arrears of claims due to officers, respectively,” the statement revealed.
The Ministry added that it is working closely with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to address financial shortfalls caused by foreign exchange differentials in the 2024 budget cycle.
“The first tranche of refunds has already been remitted to missions, while second semester allocations have also been approved,” the statement said.
As part of broader reforms, the Ministry said it is engaging the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to facilitate the prompt release of personnel and overhead cost allocations.
“The Ministry is engaging with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to facilitate the prompt release of Personnel and Overhead Cost Allocations to all Missions, starting this week, to clear outstanding allowances and further alleviate the financial situation of the Missions. With these efforts, Missions have begun to stabilise,” Ebienfa said.
The government also disclosed that it is developing a more sustainable financial framework for embassies and consulates worldwide.
“The Ministry is also working diligently to develop a sustainable financial model for funding our missions abroad, which includes exploring innovative solutions and efficiency measures to ensure long-term operational stability,” the statement added.
In acknowledging the sacrifices of staff, the Ministry praised their commitment despite the hardships.
“The Ministry recognises the resilience and dedication of its diplomatic staff who continue to discharge their duties with commendable patriotism under these difficult circumstances. We also thank the host governments, service providers and our international partners for their understanding and continued cooperation,” it said.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s stance, the Ministry concluded: “We are confident that the current challenges are temporary and will be overcome through the concerted efforts of this administration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to robust and dynamic international diplomacy, as well as the unwavering protection and welfare of every Nigerian citizen worldwide.”
With these assurances, government officials insist that steps are being taken not only to stabilise missions in the short term but also to secure their long-term sustainability and efficiency in representing Nigeria’s interests abroad.