01/09/2025
🇳🇬 FG admits financial crisis in foreign missions, pledges reforms 🇳🇬
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed financial and operational challenges at Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad, citing budgetary constraints and foreign exchange policy shifts. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that financial strain has caused delays in paying local staff, service providers, rent, and allowances for home-based officers. The ministry acknowledged that these missions are affected by Nigeria's economic realities and past budgetary shortfalls. The ministry assured that the welfare of diplomatic staff is a priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. Concrete steps are being taken, including releasing special intervention funds, with priority given to service providers, local staff salaries, and officer claims. A committee was established to verify debt profiles for transparent payment. Engagement with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is underway to recover shortfalls from the 2024 fiscal year due to exchange rate fluctuations. The government of President Bola Tinubu approved the settlement of these shortfalls, and the first tranche of funds has been remitted. Second-semester allocations are approved, and the ministry is coordinating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to expedite the release of personnel and overhead funds this week to clear outstanding allowances. The ministry is also developing a sustainable financial framework with innovative strategies, aligning with broader federal reforms for fiscal governance and resource allocation. The ministry expressed gratitude to diplomatic staff, host governments, and service providers for their cooperation, confident that challenges are temporary and commitment to robust international diplomacy and citizen welfare remains.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly acknowledged the ongoing financial and operational challenges facing several Nigerian diplomatic and consular