The Federal Government says several Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad are struggling with unpaid salaries, rent, and debts to service providers.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He noted that the challenges have slowed the operations of missions in many countries.
Economic Strain Hits Embassies
“The ministry is aware of the restrictions financial limits have placed on our missions. These include unpaid salaries of local staff, unsettled service bills, delayed rent, and allowances owed to home-based officers,” Ebienfa said.
He explained that Nigeria’s embassies are not exempt from the wider economic struggles at home. Years of budget shortfalls, he said, have weakened the ability of missions to function effectively.
Government Moves to Ease Pressure
Despite the strain, the ministry assured that staff welfare remains a priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Ebienfa highlighted recent steps such as the release of special intervention funds and fresh allocations to ease hardship.
The ministry also set up a committee to review the debt profile of embassies. According to Ebienfa, over 80 per cent of available funds have already gone into payments, with priority given to salaries, arrears, and key service providers.
Plans for Long-Term Stability
The government is working with the Office of the Accountant-General, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank of Nigeria to resolve shortfalls caused by exchange rate changes. The first tranche of payments has already reached some embassies.
Officials also plan to design a sustainable financial model for Nigerian missions abroad. The new model will focus on efficiency, accountability, and long-term stability.
Praise for Diplomats Abroad
The ministry commended Nigerian diplomats for showing resilience in difficult circumstances. It also thanked host governments and service providers for their patience.
“The Nigerian government remains committed to supporting all missions abroad so they can operate at full capacity,” the statement concluded.
