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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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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

 

The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.

Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.

The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.

“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”

The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.

In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.

“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”

Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.

As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.

Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

 

As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.

In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.

“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.

I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”

Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.

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UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE

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UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE

 

Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning declares global recognition of ATC ecosystem, urges citizens and partners to embrace unified digital, crypto and gold-backed financial structure

The Reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning, has formally announced what he described as a historic milestone in the financial evolution of the Atlantis nation and empire worldwide, the consolidation and global recognition of the ATC financial ecosystem backed by a $10 billion gold reserve.

In a voice message released from the Office of the Throne, the Monarch expressed gratitude to God and to citizens and partners across the globe for what he termed a “defining achievement” in the journey of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.

According to him, the ATC asset structure, supported by a $10 billion gold-backed certificate, has now been positioned among the world’s leading capitalisation financial platforms, ranking number 12 globally.
“We appreciate God for the milestone achieved of our 10 billion gold-backed certificate of ATC assets. We are delighted to inform our esteemed citizens, partners, viewers and friends all over the world that ATC has come to stay,” the Monarch declared.

Three Distinct but Interconnected ATC Platforms

Emperor Winning explained that the UKA Government and the Atlantis nation have officially released three integrated ATC platforms to the general public. He emphasised that while each platform serves a distinct purpose, they are structured to interact seamlessly for effective management, business transactions and global trading operations.

1.ATC Digital (Government Platform)

The first platform, known as ATC Digital, is the official government-backed digital transaction system. It is designed to facilitate digital financial operations within the UKA ecosystem and serve as the administrative and transactional backbone of the nation’s digital economy.

The Monarch described it as the formally recognised digital framework governed directly by the government under the Throne.

ATC Gold Version (Business and Trade Platform). The second platform, referred to as the ATC Gold Version, is primarily tailored for business trade, commercial exchange and transactional fluidity. It is structured to enhance business-to-business engagement, exchangeability and broader economic interaction.
“This version is mainly for business trade, business exchange and commercial transactions,” he clarified.

ATC Crown Coin (Crypto and Visitor Platform)
The third platform, known as the ATC Crown Coin, represents the Atlantis Crown Coin and is linked to what the monarch described as the Atlantean Bank Gold structure. This version operates as a crypto and digital hybrid, including visitor engagement capabilities and broader exchange functions.
(atlantisgoldbank.org
The Digital/Cryto currency Version

Atlantian Crown Gold (E-ATC) https://share.google/a7Jns9VtrMKCZ6Prk
The E-ATC purely for Trading and Exchang

Atlantean Crown (ATC) – The Future of Digital Currency https://share.google/1EhdkkDBFvBLLgfR1
The Digital version for Government

We also Have DEOS INTERNATIONAL Bank (DIB)
And ATCB)

The Monarch indicated that all three platforms are interconnected to ensure efficiency, transparency and global recognition.
“Please do not be confused. The United Kingdom of Atlantis has three major versions of ATC. Two are crypto-based, one is digital; one is also a hybrid of crypto and digital. All three interact together for effective management and effective business transactions.”

Global Recognition and Expansion Vision

Emperor Winning further asserted that the ATC ecosystem is already recognised internationally and positioned within the global financial framework. “Our platforms are presently recognised in the whole world,” he said, while encouraging existing holders of ATC assets to remain confident in the system.
He congratulated all ATC holders and reiterated the Throne’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem’s credibility, usability and cross-platform functionality.

A Strategic Financial Architecture

Observers say the three-tier structure reflects an attempt by the United Kingdom of Atlantis to create a multi-layered financial architecture combining government-regulated digital systems, crypto-based trade platforms and gold-backed reserve credibility.

By integrating digital governance with cryptocurrency and gold certification, the UKA appears to be positioning ATC as both a sovereign-backed asset and a tradable global instrument.

As the UKA advances its financial ambitions, the monarch’s message signals a push for adoption, participation and global engagement with the ATC ecosystem.
“If you are a holder of ATC, congratulations to you from the Throne. God bless you,” the monarch concluded.

The development marks another significant chapter in the evolving digital and gold-backed finance narrative emerging from the United Kingdom of Atlantis.

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