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Workers in 109 embassies groan over six-month unpaid salaries

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At least 450 foreign service officers in 109 Nigerian missions abroad have yet to receive their salaries for the past five to six months.

The officials, serving under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are in financial distress and cannot pay rent and children’s school fees or meet other family and social obligations.

The acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, acknowledged the financial challenges facing the Nigerian missions and assured that the leadership was working to resolve the issue.

He stated, “The ministry is aware of the difficulties faced by the missions abroad, and the leadership is working seriously to address the situation.

“With the recent passage of the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, there is strong optimism that the Bill will be signed into law soonest by Mr President and that will positively impact the finances of the ministry and missions abroad.”

Findings indicate that the ministry spent N251.71bn on salaries in four years.

This comes on the heels of the increased budgetary allocation to the ministry and the missions.

In 2021, a total of N73.14bn was budgeted by the ministry with N34.38bn earmarked for personnel expenditure. For 2022, the ministry budgeted N88.09bn out of which N55.27bn was expended on salaries.

In 2023, N98.11bn was approved while N62.30bn was allocated for personnel costs and in 2024, N160.06bn was appropriated while N99.76bn was allocated for salaries.

In the 2025 budget, the foreign affairs ministry proposed N353.77bn, with N214.64bn earmarked for personnel costs, N72.24bn for overheads and N66.82bn for capital expenditure.

The Federal Government equally proposed N53bn to renovate 103 foreign missions this year.

The funds will cover various needs, including renovations of chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadors’ residences, purchase of office furniture, and official vehicles, among others.

Allocations include N554m for the foreign mission in Abidjan; N812m for Banjul; N555m for Brazzaville; N558m for Port of Spain; N576m for Caracas; N624m for Kingston; N567m for Libreville; N409m for Buenos Aires, N899m for Niamey, among others.

Despite the increased appropriation, funding for the missions was insufficient, with many of them struggling to finance their operations and renovations.

The situation had been worsened by delays in the appointment of new ambassadors.

Senior Presidency and Foreign Service officials earlier informed our correspondent that about $1bn was required to clear the backlogs of bills and adequately finance the nation’s 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates globally.

On taking office, President Bola Tinubu reassessed Nigeria’s foreign policy and initiated a recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023.

The process of appointing new envoys has, however, faced delays due to financial shortfalls.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, admitted insufficient funding for essential embassy operations and ambassadorial support.

“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated country and to run the missions effectively, one needs funding.

“Mr President is working on it, and it will be done in due course,” he said during a ministerial briefing in May 2023.

Sources within the ministry, however, attributed the embarrassing financial situation to poor funding and delays in the 2025 budget passage.

Officials at various embassies disclosed that they had not been paid for several months, with some going without their salaries since August or September 2024.

An official who spoke on the condition of anonymity lamented that the delay in budget approval had left the missions struggling to cover basic operational costs.

This includes rent, embassy staff salaries and payments to service providers.

As a result, the missions have accumulated significant debts, with several service providers taking legal action to recover unpaid dues, the source added.

“This is mid-February, and the budget has not been approved or signed. How are the missions faring under this reality of financial neglect?

“The debts are piling up, and some service providers have dragged some missions to court for redress. Some staff in most foreign missions have not been paid for six months,” the source stated.

Another source revealed that embassy staff were unable to effectively serve the needs of Nigerians abroad due to the financial difficulties faced by their missions.

He stated that the delay in the budget passage had caused considerable hardship for the missions, as it also affected their ability to provide consular services to Nigerians in distress abroad.

“The missions are struggling to stay afloat, and the lack of funds has a direct impact on their ability to serve Nigerians abroad,” the source stated, stressing that the situation required urgent intervention.

A Foreign Service Officer who concluded his duty tour last year stated, “Due to paucity of funds, officers are faced with the unfortunate situation of using their personal funds to buy consumables such as toners, ink for printers and papers for the missions.”

Ex-diplomat Rasheed Akinkuolie traced the problem to the 1983 overthrow of the second civilian administration and the long military rule.

Akinkuolie said, “The underfunding of Nigerian diplomatic missions started from around 1983, with the overthrow of the second civilian administration and long military rule. And it was at that point that the funding of Nigerian missions became measly.

“The military did not appreciate the critical role Nigerian missions play in economic, social, security, and image of Nigeria abroad.

“Since the military was in power for a long time, the underfunding persisted and continued under the civilian administration till date,” he said.

Akinkuolie pointed out that the budget for the foreign affairs ministry in 2025, when spread across 109 missions, could not sustain them.

“The budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2025 is N353bn or $233m. If this is spread across 109 missions, this amounts to very little.

“Nigeria High Commission in London is allocated N7bn or £3.6m, where drivers have to be paid a minimum wage of about £1,500 a month,” he further stressed.

The retired diplomat also highlighted the negative impact of fluctuating exchange rates, stating, “The allocation in naira is still subjected to the vagaries of the exchange rate.

“This is a real problem, which must be addressed to enable the ministry to retain its best officers and attract the best candidates.”

He added that the current system had forced many officers to resign and join the United Nations and other organisations.

“Several officers simply leave and join the UN and other international organisations, while at post. This is dangerous and inimical to Nigeria’s interests,” he asserted.

To solve the long-standing issue, Akinkuolie proposed reverting to the old practice of budgeting in both US dollars and naira.

“The old practice of budgeting in USD and naira will solve this perennial problem. The allocation to missions should be remitted directly to missions in USD by the Central Bank, while the component for running the ministry in Nigeria should be in naira,” he advised.

A retired ambassador who spoke anonymously noted that the issue had been “persisting for quite some time, and even the non-deployment of new ambassadors is linked to the financial challenges.”

While noting that the foreign affairs minister acknowledged the cash flow issues, he argued that diplomats’ allowances should still be paid on time.

Reflecting on his retirement, the ex-envoy expressed relief at “being removed from the situation.”

He criticised the handling of foreign exchange, adding that the remittances used to be directly managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but, over time, he said personal conflicts and inefficiencies in the system have complicated the process.

The ex-ambassador also recalled a difficult personal experience in office “where bureaucratic delays and personal animosities made the situation even worse.”

Ultimately, he expressed frustration with the system but also expressed gratitude for being at peace in retirement.

A foreign affairs analyst, Charles Onunaiju, highlighted the lack of leadership in Nigerian high commissions, with no substantive heads of missions months after the President’s inauguration.

The leadership vacuum, he noted, was causing significant dysfunction, including delays in salary payments to embassy staff, unpaid bills, and poor service to Nigerians abroad.

“The proper head of mission to make adequate representation to Nigeria on the plight of the staff is not there,” he said.

He explained that diplomatic positions were often used as rewards for political allies rather than being filled by competent professionals who could promote the country’s interests abroad.

Onunaiju called for a shift from the current system where diplomatic roles were seen as political rewards.

“The politicians have been negligent of the foreign service and diplomatic service,” Onunaiju stated, stressing the broader systemic issues.

The international relations expert also pointed out that without proper leadership, the embassy staff could not effectively advocate for resources and better working conditions, leading to operational challenges.

“No head of mission is there. Nobody can make adequate representation to the government and speak authoritatively,” he noted.

He further stressed that the absence of ambassadors or high commissioners hampered the missions’ ability to address the issues which impacted Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and international standing.

Onunaiju stressed the need for reform and a more professional, merit-based approach to diplomacy to address the dysfunction in Nigeria’s foreign service.

“We will continue to experience dysfunction in our foreign missions until we do the right thing,” he said.

 

 

 

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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