Foreign Missions: FG Budgets N53bn For Ambassadorial Residences, Office furniture, Others

FG allocates N53bn to renovate 103 rundown foreign missions.
Experts estimate $1bn needed to clear debts and fix embassies.
Lawmakers criticize insufficient funding in 2025 budget proposal for diplomacy.

The Federal Government has allocated N53 billion for the renovation of 103 foreign missions, addressing issues such as dilapidated chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadorial residences, office furniture, and official vehicles.

Specific allocations include N554 million for Abidjan, N812 million for Banjul, N555 million for Brazzaville, and N899 million for Niamey, among others.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that despite increasing allocations, significant financial challenges persist.

Estimates suggest nearly $1 billion is required to clear arrears and adequately fund Nigeria’s 109 global missions. President Bola Tinubu, upon assuming office, reassessed Nigeria’s foreign policy and recalled 83 ambassadors in September 2023.

However, appointing new envoys has been delayed due to insufficient funds. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlighted these financial constraints, stating, “There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to travel or run missions effectively.”

Senior officials revealed that nearly 90% of embassies are in dire condition, with rundown offices and residences, and expired rent agreements.

They emphasized that substantial capital expenditure is essential to resolve these issues. One anonymous official disclosed, “The money required now is for capital expenditure to fix residences, embassies, purchase vehicles, and clear arrears. Many Foreign Service officers are owed seven to eight months of allowances.”

The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned key government officials, including Budget and National Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, over poor funding in the 2025 budget proposal.

Chairman Oluwole Oke stated that the N287 billion allocated for recurrent expenditures in the 2025 budget is insufficient. According to Oke, “The ministry needs at least N500 billion annually, considering its needs and the unstable exchange rate.”

Oke suggested allowing missions to acquire properties through mortgages and implementing car leasing to reduce costs. He noted, “This model, used in many host countries, can solve our problems perpetually.”

The committee also highlighted the ministry’s critical obligations, including annual subscriptions to international organizations and allowances for Foreign Service officers.

Oke warned that poor funding could undermine Nigeria’s global image, stating, “I hope this isn’t a plot to frustrate the President’s diplomatic efforts.”

He added that self-inflicted issues, including lack of transparency, exacerbate the ministry’s challenges. Efforts to redefine operational systems aim to improve efficiency and sustainability.

FURTHER READING