FG Spends N14 Billion on Foreign Missions Amid Ambassadorial Vacancies

Federal Government has allocated nearly N14 billion to support 16 foreign missions despite the ongoing absence of appointed ambassadors. This significant expenditure was reported in July 2024, highlighting concerns over Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness and representation.

Nigeria, with 109 global missions—including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates—has been operating without appointed ambassadors for nearly a year. The situation arose following President Bola Tinubu’s decision on September 2, 2023, to recall all ambassadors appointed during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. These envoys were instructed to return by October 31, 2023, leaving Nigeria without new ambassadors since then.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has attributed the delay in appointing new ambassadors to the financial challenges facing the current administration. During a ministerial briefing in May 2024, Tuggar revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been struggling with inadequate funding. He pointed out that the government’s financial priorities have shifted from subsidizing consumption to supporting production, creating additional financial strain.

Tuggar also mentioned that while the government has pursued various microeconomic reforms, factors like the rise of cryptocurrencies have impacted the anticipated benefits. Despite these financial constraints, the government disbursed N13.7 billion for the personnel costs of 16 foreign missions through the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) on July 19 and July 29, 2024.

The missions that received these funds include those in The Hague (Netherlands), Tokyo (Japan), Vienna (Austria), Washington (United States), Berlin (Germany), London (United Kingdom), and Paris (France). Notably, the Permanent Mission in New York received over N2 billion in two separate disbursements.

Former Nigerian ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Ode, noted that while the lack of funds has delayed the appointment of new ambassadors, consulate-level heads of missions have been managing operations in the interim.

This situation raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s foreign diplomatic operations as the country navigates a period of significant transition in its international representation.