KEY POINTS
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Nigerian embassies hit by unpaid rent and arrears.
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Government releases intervention funds to ease pressure.
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Foreign missions face challenges from budget shortfalls.
Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad are facing mounting financial and operational strain, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitting that embassies are struggling under unpaid rents, salary arrears, and service bills. Officials blamed budget shortfalls and foreign exchange policy shifts for the crisis, which has disrupted the smooth running of the country’s consular operations.
In a statement released Monday, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed that multiple missions had been hit by delays in paying locally recruited staff, allowances for home-based officers, and rents owed to landlords and service providers. “The ministry is not unaware of the restrictions that financial limitations have placed on the smooth running of the missions,” the statement read.
Nigerian embassies hit by unpaid rent crisis
The ministry acknowledged that the financial difficulties are tied to years of inadequate funding, adding that the situation reflects the broader economic realities at home. According to the statement, budgetary limitations have steadily undermined the ability of missions to carry out their core diplomatic duties.
Still, the government insisted that the welfare of foreign service officers and their families remains a priority under President Bola Tinubu. To ease the burden, it disclosed that special intervention funds had been released, with more than 80 percent already disbursed to cover salaries, rent arrears, and service provider payments. A verification committee has also been established to review debt profiles and ensure that settlements are legitimate and fairly distributed.
Nigerian embassies hit by salary arrears challenge
According to Punch, the ministry further confirmed it is working with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to recover 2024 fiscal year shortfalls linked to recent monetary policy reforms and exchange rate fluctuations. “To mitigate its impact, the government of President Bola Tinubu has graciously approved the settlement of the shortfall,” the ministry said, noting that the first tranche of payments had already been released, with a second tranche expected soon.
Looking ahead, the ministry said it is developing a sustainable financial framework to secure consistent funding for foreign missions, aligned with the government’s broader fiscal reforms. Officials emphasized that these measures are part of wider public sector financial restructuring designed to improve resource allocation and strengthen fiscal governance.
Despite the difficulties, the ministry expressed gratitude to diplomatic staff, host governments, and service providers for their patience and cooperation. It voiced confidence that the current setbacks are temporary, stressing Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to international diplomacy and to the protection of its citizens abroad.
