By Gift ChapiOdekina
The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has formally called upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, along with the leaders of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions worldwide, to provide a comprehensive account of the funds allocated to these missions in 2025.
In an official communication dated July 24, 2025, and signed by Committee Chairman Hon. Oluwole Oke, the panel exercised its constitutional authority under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to request detailed financial disclosures. This move aims to promote transparency and ensure the prudent management of public resources entrusted to Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Historically, Nigeria’s diplomatic outposts have grappled with financial constraints, which have adversely affected the quality of consular services offered to Nigerians abroad. Additionally, there have been persistent allegations of financial impropriety involving mission officials.
Earlier this year, the Committee launched an inquiry into a controversial contract involving the alleged misappropriation of $2 million designated for refurbishing the residence of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
The letter mandates the submission of several critical documents, including:
- Approved budget plans for 2024 and 2025;
- Performance reports detailing budget execution during the same period;
- Records of special intervention funds disbursed from 2018 to 2025, along with their utilization;
- Comprehensive staff lists covering both home-based and locally employed personnel.
“The Honourable Minister is requested to ensure that all Heads of Missions are made aware of this directive,” the letter emphasized.
In a related development, a document dated July 3, 2025, signed by the Director of Funds on behalf of the Accountant-General of the Federation, disclosed that the Tinubu administration allocated a total of $54 million to sustain the operations of Nigeria’s 103 embassies and high commissions globally.
The allocation breakdown revealed $46.14 million designated for operational overheads, $9.58 million for staff salaries, and $282,829 for miscellaneous overhead expenses.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Hon. Oke praised President Bola Tinubu for the prompt financial support, highlighting its potential to rejuvenate Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and bolster the nation’s international standing.
“We appreciate the President’s dedication to revitalizing our foreign missions. This funding will significantly enhance Nigeria’s image on the world stage,” Oke remarked.
He further stressed the importance of accountability, urging the missions to transparently report on the expenditure of these funds. “Good governance demands openness, and Nigerians have the right to know how their resources are managed,” he added.
Specific allocations included $5.89 million to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, $1.96 million to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow, $2.82 million to Rome, and $1.09 million to Vienna.
Other missions received the following: Athens ($1.04 million), Tel Aviv ($1.8 million), Addis Ababa ($1.92 million), Jeddah Consulate ($1.48 million), Dubai Consulate ($1.26 million), Madrid ($1.23 million), with Tehran and Abu Dhabi each receiving $1.18 million.
Hon. Oke clarified that the Committee’s inquiry is not intended as a punitive measure but rather as a necessary step toward ensuring responsible management of public funds.
“Our goal is not to target individuals but to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and value for money in government spending, both domestically and internationally,” he concluded.