The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged that several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad are currently facing financial and operational difficulties, attributing these challenges to budget constraints and changes in foreign exchange policies.
In a statement on Monday, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry confirmed that these financial pressures have disrupted normal operations, leading to delays in paying locally hired staff, service providers, rent, and allowances for home-based officers.
“The ministry recognises that financial limitations have affected the smooth functioning of missions, including delays in staff salaries, payments to service providers, rent obligations, and foreign service allowances for home-based officers,” the statement noted.
While highlighting that these missions are not immune to Nigeria’s broader economic challenges, the ministry stressed that long-term budget shortfalls have hindered the effective performance of missions and their ability to carry out key diplomatic functions.
“The financial difficulties in our missions reflect persistent budgetary constraints over the years, which have led to shortfalls in funding,” the ministry stated.
The ministry assured Nigerians at home and abroad that the welfare of diplomatic personnel and their families remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The government is taking decisive steps to address funding issues in all its missions abroad,” the statement said, noting that special intervention funds have been released to ease hardships, with over 80 percent of available funds already cleared for payment.
Priority has been given to service providers, locally recruited staff salaries, and outstanding claims, based on documentation submitted by the missions. A committee has been set up to verify mission debts and ensure fair and justified disbursement of funds.
The ministry also confirmed collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to recover 2024 fiscal shortfalls, largely caused by exchange rate fluctuations linked to monetary policy reforms.
“To reduce the impact, the government has approved settlement of these shortfalls,” the ministry said, adding that the first tranche of funds has already been sent, with some missions confirming receipt.
Second-semester allocations have now been approved, and the ministry is coordinating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to release personnel and overhead funds starting this week, aimed at clearing outstanding allowances and improving the financial situation of missions.
Looking ahead, the ministry is working on a sustainable financial model for foreign missions, exploring innovative strategies to ensure long-term operational stability as part of broader federal reforms to improve fiscal governance and resource allocation.
Finally, the ministry expressed gratitude to diplomatic staff, host governments, and service providers for their cooperation during this period, stating confidence that these challenges are temporary.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to strong and effective international diplomacy and to safeguarding the welfare of every Nigerian citizen abroad,” the statement concluded.
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