The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has acknowledged the financial and operational challenges recently experienced by several of its Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad. According to the Ministry, budgetary constraints over the years have limited allocations to these Missions, affecting their ability to meet core obligations, including payment of locally recruited staff, service providers, rent, and foreign service allowances for home-based officers.
The Ministry emphasised that the financial difficulties faced by the Missions reflect broader economic conditions at home and are not unique to the Foreign Service. Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa assured Nigerians and the international community that the welfare of staff and their families abroad remains a priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
To alleviate the situation, the Ministry confirmed the release of special intervention funds to support affected Missions. A dedicated committee was established to assess the debt profile of the Missions, ensuring that fund allocations are equitable and used judiciously. Based on submissions and verified documents, over 80 per cent of available funds have been cleared, prioritising payments to service providers, staff salaries, and arrears owed to officers.
Additionally, the Ministry has engaged the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to address shortfalls in the 2024 fiscal year allocations, which arose due to foreign exchange differentials following new monetary policies and exchange rate harmonisation. The government has approved settlements, and the first tranche of payments has been remitted to Missions, with confirmation of receipt by some.
The Second Semester Allocations have also been approved, with the Ministry coordinating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure the prompt release of Personnel and Overhead Cost allocations. These efforts are aimed at clearing outstanding allowances and stabilising operations.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is developing a sustainable financial model for funding Missions abroad, including innovative solutions and efficiency measures to ensure long-term operational stability. These measures align with broader public sector financial reforms intended to enhance fiscal governance and resource allocation.
The Ministry lauded the resilience and dedication of diplomatic staff who continue to serve under challenging conditions and thanked host governments, service providers, and international partners for their cooperation. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to robust international diplomacy and the protection and welfare of its citizens worldwide.
Signed,
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa
Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Monday, 1st September 2025
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