NIGERIA’S FOREIGN MISSIONS FACE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, GOVERNMENT PROMISES RELIEF

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the financial and operational challenges facing several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad, citing budgetary constraints and foreign exchange policy shifts as key contributing factors. In a statement signed by Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry admitted that the financial strain has disrupted the smooth running of missions, including delays in paying locally recruited staff, service providers, rent, and allowances for home-based officers.

“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 read.

The ministry emphasized that the budgetary shortfalls over the years have significantly hampered the effective functioning of missions and their ability to fulfill core diplomatic responsibilities. However, the government assured Nigerians that the welfare of diplomatic staff and their families remains a priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are confident that the current challenges are temporary and will be overcome through the concerted efforts of this administration,” the statement concluded. The ministry revealed that it is developing a sustainable financial framework for its foreign missions, incorporating innovative and efficient strategies aligned with broader federal reforms aimed at improving fiscal governance and resource allocation.

The government has taken decisive steps to address the issues, including releasing special intervention funds to alleviate hardship in affected missions. Over 80 percent of the available funds have already been cleared for payment, with priority given to service providers, salaries of locally recruited staff, and arrears of claims due to officers.

The ministry also confirmed engagement with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to recover shortfalls from the 2024 fiscal year, largely caused by exchange rate fluctuations linked to the government’s monetary policy reforms. “To mitigate its impact, the government of President Bola Tinubu, has graciously approved the settlement of the shortfall,” the ministry said, confirming that the first tranche of funds had already been remitted.

The ministry expressed gratitude to diplomatic staff, host governments, and service providers for their resilience and cooperation during the difficult period, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to robust and dynamic international diplomacy and the unwavering protection and welfare of every Nigerian citizen worldwide.