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Nigerian Foreign Service Officers Face Unpaid Salaries and Operational Challenges

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Nigerian Foreign Service Officers Face Unpaid Salaries and Operational Challenges

Nigerian Foreign Service Officers Face Unpaid Salaries and Operational Challenges

At least 450 foreign service officers in Nigeria’s 109 missions abroad have gone without their salaries for the past five to six months, leading to financial distress that has left many unable to pay rent, children’s school fees, or meet family obligations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the issue and assured that efforts are being made to resolve it.

 

Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the financial challenges and expressed optimism that the recent passage of the 2025 Appropriation Act would alleviate the situation once signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Over the past four years, the ministry has spent N251.71bn on salaries. Despite increased budget allocations, funding remains insufficient.

 

For 2021, the ministry’s budget totaled N73.14bn, with N34.38bn allocated for personnel costs. In 2022, N88.09bn was budgeted, with N55.27bn spent on salaries. By 2023, the budget had risen to N98.11bn, with N62.30bn set aside for personnel costs. The 2024 budget reached N160.06bn, of which N99.76bn was allocated for salaries.

 

The proposed 2025 budget for the ministry stands at N353.77bn, with N214.64bn earmarked for personnel costs, N72.24bn for overheads, and N66.82bn for capital expenditures. Additionally, N53bn has been proposed to renovate 103 foreign missions.

 

Despite these allocations, missions are struggling to finance basic operations and renovations. Officials disclosed they have not received salaries since August or September 2024. Missions have accumulated significant debts, with some service providers taking legal action to recover unpaid dues.

The financial difficulties have impacted the missions’ ability to provide consular services to Nigerians abroad. One foreign service officer reported using personal funds to purchase essential office supplies. Delayed budget approval has exacerbated the situation, leaving embassy staff unable to meet operational costs.

 

Upon taking office, President Tinubu initiated a recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023. However, delays in appointing new envoys due to financial constraints have left many missions without substantive leadership. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the issue, stating that funding is necessary to send ambassadors and run missions effectively.

 

Ex-diplomat Rasheed Akinkuolie traced the underfunding of Nigerian diplomatic missions back to the 1983 overthrow of Nigeria’s second civilian administration and the subsequent military rule. He noted that current allocations are insufficient when spread across 109 missions, with fluctuating exchange rates further complicating matters. Akinkuolie proposed reverting to budgeting in both USD and naira to address the issue.

Many officers have resigned to join international organizations like the United Nations due to poor working conditions. A retired ambassador confirmed the systemic challenges and emphasized the need for timely payment of allowances.

 

Foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju highlighted the leadership vacuum in Nigerian high commissions, which has led to dysfunction and delayed salary payments. He criticized the use of diplomatic positions as political rewards rather than merit-based appointments. Onunaiju stressed the need for reform, advocating for professional diplomacy to improve Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and operational efficiency.

 

The ongoing financial and operational crises in Nigeria’s foreign missions underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms and improved budget management. Addressing these challenges will require a shift toward merit-based diplomacy, timely budget approval, and adequate funding to support Nigeria’s international engagements.

 

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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