News
Workers in 109 embassies groan over six-month unpaid salaries
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.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has called on the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into violence surrounding a recent political gathering in the state, during which a citizen was reportedly shot and injured.
The governor, in an address to the people of Enugu State, expressed concern over the incident, assuring affected individuals and their families that their safety and well-being remained a priority.
Mbah said the reported violence had raised concerns about public safety and the peace the state had worked to maintain, stressing that all citizens must be able to exercise their political rights without fear or intimidation.
He reiterated the Enugu State Government’s position on allegations of involvement in the violence, stating that the government’s primary responsibility was to protect lives, uphold the law and ensure that justice was served.
The governor also said he expected the police to investigate the incident thoroughly and without bias, adding that anyone found responsible would be held accountable through the appropriate legal process, irrespective of their political connections.
“Every citizen, whatever their political affiliation, must be able to exercise their political rights without fear or violence,” Mbah said.
He urged residents to remain committed to peace as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The governor concluded his message by expressing concern for those affected by the violence and praying for the continued peace and progress of Enugu State.
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has briefed the Senate Committee on the Commission’s activities and development priorities for the South-East region during an oversight visit to Enugu on Monday.
The meeting focused on critical infrastructure and development needs across the region, including road connectivity, rural electrification, access to clean water, education, environmental sustainability and strategic projects aimed at unlocking the South-East’s economic potential.
During the engagement, the Senate Committee stressed the need for improved staff welfare, effective institutional development and sustained collaboration between the Commission and the National Assembly to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.
The Committee also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the SEDC, expressing support for the initiatives undertaken by the Commission so far.
The development comes as the Commission continues efforts to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and promote sustainable economic growth across the South-East.
The SEDC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to attract strategic investments and implement practical interventions that will improve livelihoods, strengthen regional integration and promote inclusive development.
The Commission’s mandate covers the five South-East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, with a focus on advancing development initiatives capable of improving the living conditions of residents and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.
News
REC urges Enugu residents not to wait for rush hours in Claims/Objections, PVC collection windows
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents of Enugu State to avoid waiting for rush hours before participating in the ongoing Claims and Objections, and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection windows.
INEC, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, commenced nationwide Claims and Objections for fresh registrants and PVC collection for those who did transfer of voting location and those who are yet to collect their PVCs.
INEC Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, during a press briefing on Friday in Enugu, said that the Claims and Objections window would last for seven days from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
Chukwu said that both exercises would commence simultaneously on Oct. 9 across all the 260 Registration Areas (RAs) in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
He said that INEC had concluded training and retraining for designated personnel on the procedures and processes for the Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections, as well as the distribution of PVCs.
According to him, I urge all eligible persons concerned to take advantage of this opportunity and avoid waiting until rush hours or the last day before visiting their designated Registration Areas.
He said, “The Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections is an important aspect of the voter registration process.
“It provides an opportunity for eligible citizens to examine the voters’ register and bring forward legitimate claims or objections regarding entries in the register in accordance with the Commission’s established procedures.
“This process is designed to help identify and correct errors, address legitimate concerns, and improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register ahead of future electoral activities.
“I therefore encourage members of the public to visit their respective Registration Areas during the seven-day period to participate in the exercise and bring any legitimate claims or objections to the attention of designated INEC officials”.
On PVC distribution, Chukwu said the distribution was intended for eligible citizens who registered during first-phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and those who applied for voter transfers or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
He said, “All affected persons are strongly advised to visit the appropriate Registration Areas where their PVCs are available and collect them within the stipulated period.
“They should follow the instructions of designated INEC officials to ensure an orderly and seamless process. The PVC collection will continue till December.”
The REC disclosed that Enugu State currently had a total of 2,213,768 registered voters across its 17 council area, adding that the figure underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate, credible, and up-to-date voters’ register.
He said that commission remained committed to ensuring that eligible citizens had the opportunity to participate in the electoral process in accordance with the law.
“I call on all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, and members of the public to support the successful conduct of these exercises by sensitising eligible citizens and encouraging them to participate.
“INEC Enugu State remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, professionalism, and the continuous improvement of the electoral process,” he added.
Questions Over Geological Studies, Core Drilling, Mining Licence and 2027 Political Timing
By Our Correspondent
ABAKALIKI — The proposed new cement factory in Ebonyi State is generating growing questions over the technical evidence behind the project, particularly the availability of a commercially viable limestone deposit, geological studies, core drilling, laboratory analysis and the required mineral rights.
The project has been presented as a major industrial investment capable of transforming the state’s economy, creating employment and strengthening its industrial base.
But before a cement factory can become a viable commercial project, one fundamental question must be answered: Where is the raw material?
Limestone is the principal raw material for conventional cement production. Establishing its suitability and commercial viability requires more than identifying rocks on the surface.
It ordinarily involves geological mapping, geophysical surveys, exploratory drilling, core recovery and core logging, followed by laboratory analysis of the samples.
The laboratory tests are expected to establish the chemical composition and quality of the limestone, including its calcium carbonate content and the levels of silica, alumina, iron, magnesium and other materials that could affect cement production.
The drilling and analysis also help establish the thickness, continuity and quality of the deposit and ultimately provide the basis for estimating the quantity of recoverable limestone available to sustain the proposed factory.
It is therefore against this technical background that questions are being asked about the proposed Ebonyi project.
Where are the geological and geophysical survey reports? Where are the core-drilling records and core logs? Where are the laboratory results? What quantity of limestone has been established, and how many years could the reserve sustain the proposed factory?
There is also the question of the project’s mineral title or mining licence.
The promoters and the state government may need to identify the precise limestone deposit on which the proposed factory will depend and make clear the mineral rights covering the area.
The issue is particularly significant because establishing a cement plant requires enormous capital investment. Investors would ordinarily need credible geological data and a proven raw-material reserve before committing substantial resources to construction.
Political Questions
The timing of the announcement has also raised political questions, coming as Ebonyi and other parts of the South-East move towards the 2027 general elections.
Critics may therefore question whether the proposed cement factory is already at an advanced technical and investment stage or whether the announcement is still largely a proposal.
That question can only be conclusively answered by documents.
If the project has progressed beyond the conceptual stage, the government should be able to provide evidence of the geological investigations, exploratory drilling, core analysis, reserve estimation, mineral rights and feasibility work supporting it.
Conversely, if these processes are still ongoing, the government could clarify that the project remains at the preliminary stage and provide a realistic timeline for completing the studies and moving to construction.
There is nothing inherently wrong with announcing an industrial project at an early stage. What would be problematic is creating the impression that a commercially ready cement factory is imminent when the fundamental geological and regulatory groundwork has not yet been completed.
Public Demand for Evidence
The controversy, therefore, is not whether Ebonyi should establish another cement factory. It is whether the proposed project is backed by the technical evidence required for such an investment.
The Ebonyi State Government and promoters of the project should clarify:
– The exact location of the limestone deposit;
– The geological and geophysical studies already completed;
– The number and location of exploratory boreholes;
– The results of core drilling and core logging;
– The laboratory analysis of the limestone samples;
– The estimated proven and recoverable limestone reserves;
– The expected lifespan of the deposit;
– The mineral title or mining licence covering the deposit;
– The environmental and other regulatory approvals;
– The identity of the investors and financing arrangements; and
– The projected construction and production timelines.
Until these questions are answered with verifiable evidence, doubts about the technical readiness of the proposed factory are likely to persist.
For Ebonyi residents, the demand is straightforward:
Show the geological studies. Show the core-drilling results. Show the laboratory analysis. Show the limestone reserve estimate. Show the mining licence.
Those documents, more than political declarations, will demonstrate whether the proposed cement factory is a fully developed industrial project or an investment proposal still awaiting the technical groundwork required to make it viable.
News
Governor Mbah Hails Chibuikem Emmanuel as Youth Entrepreneurship Reference Point, Commends Powell Homes’ Housing Investment
………..As Council Chairman, Traditional Ruler Applaud Quality of Work at Hosanna Estate, Ibagwa Nike.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has praised the business prowess and vision of the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters, Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, calling him a reference point for youths in entrepreneurship.
Governor Mbah made this known Wednesday during the official commissioning of Hosana Estate, Ibagwa Nike, where he also commended Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. for investing in the state’s housing sector.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai, stated that such a gesture by an Enugu-born entrepreneur was part of the state government’s development agenda, driven by resilience and a determination to leave Enugu better than it was inherited.
He also commended the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. as well as other investors for committing resources to Enugu, describing their investments as an encouragement to the government’s drive to reposition the state.
Barr Ossai assured investors and residents that the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah would continue to provide a safe environment for businesses and communities to thrive.
According to him, “As government, our primary objective is to provide security for the people and I’m delighted with what I’ve seen about the estate,” he said, while encouraging the investors to cooperate with the estate management for effective management of the development.
He also assured residents that the government would continue expanding infrastructure across the state.
“On our part, we’ll keep expanding infrastructure and for all those we’ve not attended to, do not be disappointed, we’re already on that path and we’re progressing geometrically. However, I thank all the investors and assure you that as a government, we’ll continue to provide security for the state.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved-Dan Anike, commended Powell Homes and Shelters for choosing Ibagwa Nike for the project, noting that the ongoing dualisation of the road had positioned the area as an emerging urban centre.
He also stated that Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. had “blazed the trail” by investing in what he described as a future goldmine, adding that the local government was committed to supporting the development agenda of Governor Mbah.
The council chairman also noted that housing developments such as Hosana Estate would contribute to addressing the country’s housing deficit, particularly in Enugu State.
The traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, His Royal Highness, Igwe Emma Ugwu, expressed satisfaction with the project, saying the community understood and supported the development initiatives of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd.
He recalled that when members of the community approached him to make enquiries about the project, he assured them that it was consistent with the developmental agenda of Governor Mbah and the community’s quest to support genuine businesses.
“When my people came to my palace to make enquiries about the project, I assured them that it aligns with the developmental initiative of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and that the company is genuine and reliable.”
The traditional ruler also thanked the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. for choosing Ibagwa Nike as the location for the estate, assuring him that the community would give their best to make the project a success.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, said the commissioning was more than the unveiling of another housing project, describing it as a celebration of vision, perseverance, partnership and purpose.
He attributed the successful completion of the project to the grace of God and the collective efforts of everyone who contributed to bringing the vision to reality.
“Today is not simply about commissioning another housing project. It is a celebration of vision, perseverance, partnership and the power of purpose. Above all, we acknowledge that it is by the grace of Almighty God that we have reached this point. What we are witnessing today is a reflection of His faithfulness and the collective efforts of everyone who contributed, in one way or another, to bringing this vision to reality.”
Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, on behalf of the Board, Management and entire team of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., also appreciated Governor Mbah, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Ossai, for honouring the commissioning.
He explained that the company viewed housing as more than the construction of physical structures, describing a home as a source of security, dignity and stability for families.
“At Powell Homes and Shelters, we believe that housing is more than bricks, concrete and physical structures. A home represents security. A home represents dignity. A home provides stability for families. Access to decent housing contributes significantly to the development of healthy, productive and prosperous communities.”
He also posited that Hosana Estate was conceived as a planned and functional community designed to meet the needs of modern families rather than merely as a collection of houses.
He further stated that the estate was equipped with essential infrastructure and amenities, including internal roads, drainage systems, electricity infrastructure, recreational facilities, a synthetic football pitch and a children’s playground.
The Managing Director also acknowledged the significant housing deficit facing Nigeria and the financial difficulties confronting many families, saying the company was determined to make homeownership more accessible. He added that the company would continue to develop quality homes at affordable price points while exploring innovative financing models, strategic partnerships and appropriate housing solutions to enable more Nigerians and members of the organised private sector to own homes.
“The commissioning of Hosana Estate marked not an end but a new phase in the company’s expansion plans. While today marks the successful completion and commissioning of Hosana Estate, our journey does not end here. If anything, this achievement strengthens our resolve to do more. We are also committed to expanding our housing developments outside Enugu. This is because Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd. is committed to building more homes, developing more communities and expanding access to decent housing, not only in Enugu but in other parts of Nigeria where the need exists.”
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