The Federal Government has earmarked ₦53 billion to refurbish 103 foreign missions, covering renovations of chanceries, ambassadors’ residences, staff quarters, and procurement of office furniture and vehicles.
Allocations from the Federal Government include ₦554m for Abidjan, ₦812m for Banjul, ₦555m for Brazzaville, ₦576m for Caracas, and ₦899m for Niamey, among others.
Despite rising budgetary allocations, Nigeria’s foreign missions face significant challenges.
Estimates from the Federal Government suggest nearly $1 billion is required to clear arrears and fully fund the nation’s 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar acknowledged the delays in ambassadorial appointments, citing inadequate funding for essential embassy operations.
“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them even to travel or run the missions effectively,” he stated.
Senior officials revealed that most embassies are in dire condition, with 90% requiring urgent renovations.
Additionally, many Foreign Service officers are owed seven to eight months in allowances, with arrears for rent and overheads compounding the problem.
An anonymous official described the dire state of missions, emphasizing the challenges ambassadors would face if deployed under such conditions: “Sending ambassadors now would be like sending a president without resources.”
Efforts are ongoing to address the backlog, with President Bola Tinubu reassessing Nigeria’s foreign policy and initiating reforms since taking office.