Struggling Nigerian embassies face rent payments, overdue salaries, and other financial difficulties confirmed by FG
Nigeria's diplomatic missions abroad are grappling with financial difficulties, a situation attributed to years of budgetary shortfalls and the broader economic situation in the country. The Tinubu administration has taken steps to address this crisis, with the release of special intervention funds to alleviate the hardship faced by the missions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation in obtaining refunds for funding shortfalls in Missions' allocations due to foreign exchange differentials associated with the new monetary policy and the harmonisation of exchange rates. The first tranche of refunds has already been remitted to some missions, with confirmations of receipt.
In an effort to ensure long-term operational stability, the Ministry is developing a sustainable financial model for funding Nigerian missions abroad. This model aligns with ongoing public sector financial reforms and includes innovative solutions and efficiency measures.
More than 80% 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. A committee has been set up by the Ministry to assess and confirm the debt profile of the affected Missions, ensuring that payments are justifiable and carried out based on equity and fairness to all those affected.
The Ministry admitted that these restrictions have impacted 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. Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains confident that they are temporary and will be overcome through the concerted efforts of this administration.
The Nigerian Diplomatic Missions are not immune to the economic situation at home and its attendant challenges to government operations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that several missions are struggling with unpaid rent, salary arrears for local staff, and other financial obligations.
The Ministry has introduced measures to address the crisis, including the approval of second-semester allocations for the missions. Furthermore, the Ministry has reportedly introduced special intervention funds to cushion the hardship faced by the missions.
In a bid to assure Nigerians living overseas and the international community, the Ministry has stated that the welfare and smooth functioning of diplomatic missions remain a priority for the government. The Ministry also commended the resilience of diplomatic staff and thanked host governments, service providers, and international partners for their patience during the financial crisis.
The identity of the leader of the commission established by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to evaluate and address the financial issues of foreign diplomatic missions is not identified in the provided search results. However, the Ministry's proactive approach and commitment to addressing these challenges are evident in the measures they have taken thus far.
