The Federal Government has earmarked N53bn to renovate 103 foreign missions, covering essential needs such as chancery renovations, staff accommodations, official vehicles, and furniture. Significant allocations include N812m for Banjul, N899m for Niamey, and N554m for Abidjan. Despite this investment, officials estimate that almost $1bn is required to address arrears and fully fund Nigeria's 109 missions worldwide.
President Bola Tinubu's reassessment of Nigeria's foreign policy, including the recall of 83 ambassadors in 2023, has been hampered by funding shortfalls. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the critical need for adequate financing to enable ambassadors and embassy staff to function effectively, describing the situation as a "CAPEX crisis" requiring urgent intervention.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned key officials, including Ministers of Budget and Foreign Affairs, over what it termed inadequate allocations for foreign missions in the 2025 budget proposal. With N66.88bn allocated for capital expenditure and N286.88bn for recurrent expenses, the ministry’s financial needs remain unmet, potentially undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
Committee Chairman Oluwole Oke called for innovative solutions, including allowing embassies to acquire properties through mortgages to reduce operational costs. He stressed the importance of addressing funding gaps to sustain Nigeria’s global image, warning against inefficiencies that could hinder the President’s diplomatic vision.
