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Nigerian Foreign Service Officers Face Unpaid Salaries and Operational Challenges

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1 year ago

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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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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

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May 27, 2026

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US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

 

 

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

 

 

 

 

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin  Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

 

 

 

 

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

 

 

 

 

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

 

 

 

 

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

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Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

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19 hours ago

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May 27, 2026

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Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.

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ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

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1 day ago

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May 26, 2026

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ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL AT ILEYA 

 

Kayshow Multimedia a filmmaking and Media organization this year 2026 holds its annual Abeokuta film festival at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

 

Alake of Egba land, Ọba Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo has graciously endorsed the Free Training of Egba Youths on Film and Arts and the Entertainment of the the People with a FREE FILM SHOW at the AKE PAVILION. as part of the ABEOKUTA FILM FESTIVAL 2.0.

 

 

The Convener of the Film Festival Honorable Kehinde Soaga says this year’s event promises to be more exciting as distinguished personalities are sure to attend.

 

This includes the honorable Minister for Art Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ààrẹ Lai Labode, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and other special guests.

 

The event will feature Film, Cultural Dance Cultural foods and Award Ceremony.

 

The general public is hereby invited to the Free film show at the Abeokuta film festival at the Alake Palace Pavilion on Thursday 28th of May 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

 

Only well dressed is the Entry. The Abeokuta Film Festival is an annual event taking place in the capital city of Ogun State state.

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