foreign affairs minister.webp
The Digest:

Addressing the shortfall, the Federal Government has admitted that Nigerian missions abroad are facing severe financial problems. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that these issues have led to unpaid rent and salary arrears for diplomatic staff and service providers, blaming budgetary shortfalls and foreign exchange policy changes.

Key Points:
  • The Federal Government has acknowledged mounting financial difficulties at Nigeria's diplomatic missions overseas.
  • The problems stem from years of budgetary shortfalls and recent foreign exchange fluctuations.
  • The issues have resulted in unpaid rent, staff salary arrears, and delayed allowances for home-based officers.
  • The government has released special intervention funds and established a verification committee to review the debt.
  • It is also working with the Ministry of Finance and the CBN to fast-track the release of funds.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is developing a more sustainable financial framework for the missions.
The government is assuring both its diplomatic staff and the public that the welfare of its foreign service officers is a top priority. While the challenges are said to be temporary, these efforts are part of a broader fiscal reform to ensure effective resource allocation.

Source: Punch