Lawmakers to Review Operations at Nigeria’s Diplomatic Offices in

…call for key diplomatic appointments, institutional reforms

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to expedite the appointment of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as well as the country’s principal envoy to the United States.

This call comes amid growing concern over the current state of affairs at Nigeria’s diplomatic outposts in New York, Atlanta, and Washington D.C. In a move to address ongoing challenges, the House has asked both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Accountant General to take prompt steps aimed at resolving logistical and financial strains reportedly affecting these missions.

The House has also tasked its Committee on Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Nigeria-USA Parliamentary Friendship Group, with a thorough review of the administrative, fiscal, and infrastructure-related status of the missions. Their investigation will focus on identifying the root causes of delayed staff payments, funding gaps, and concerns over resource use. The committee is expected to recommend strategies for strengthening operational standards and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “Urgently Need To Investigate Alleged Poor State Of Nigerian Missions Abroad, Particularly The United States of America”, by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda on Wednesday at plenary.

During a recent oversight engagement conducted by the Nigeria–United States Parliamentary Friendship Group, Chinda expressed deep concern over the conditions observed at Nigeria’s diplomatic facilities in New York, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

He emphasised the importance of balanced international representation in fostering mutual respect, advancing cooperative relationships between nations, and enhancing Nigeria’s global profile.

Rep. Chinda underscored the need for well-functioning foreign missions as vital instruments in sustaining diplomatic goodwill and reinforcing the country’s standing in international affairs.

He stated: “Further notes with dismay that the Nigerian Mission House in New York 1s reportedly indebted in rent payments and has left over thirty (3) staff without salaries for over a year; and in Washington D.C., the elevator in the Mission House was only repaired after a patriotic Nigerian intervened to restore it, an act which while noble, underscores gross negligence and systemic dysfunction in the running of Nigeria’s foreign Missions;

“Aware of the provision of S.19 (a), (b), (c) and (e) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) which deals with the Foreign Policy Objectives of Nigeria, and underscores the key elements of:

“(a) promotion and protection of the national interest, (b) promotion of African integration and support for African unity,

“(c) promotion of internationa] Cooperation for the consolidation of Universal eace, and ; (e) promotion of a just world Economic order:

“Also aware that in furtherance of the above Pr ovisions, particularly the need for the promotion of international cooperation, Nigeria maintains several diplomatic missions globally comprising embassies, high commissions and consulates Charged with representing Nigeria’s interests strengthening bilateral ties, facilitating consular services, and supporting Nigerian citizens in diaspora”.

The Minority Leader highlighted the essential role Nigeria’s foreign missions play in facilitating engagement between the country and international counterparts, including foreign governments and global institutions. He noted that these missions are pivotal platforms for promoting Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives, economic interests, cultural outreach, and international cooperation efforts—particularly in a nation like the United States, which hosts a range of key global organizations such as the United Nations.

He further observed that, for an extended period, Nigeria has yet to appoint successors to two critical diplomatic roles: the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the country’s chief envoy to the United States—who traditionally also chairs a key peace and security forum. This prolonged absence, he warned, may affect Nigeria’s image and credibility abroad and could pose challenges to the country’s broader aspirations, including its bid for a more prominent role within international governance structures such as the UN Security Council.

“Also cognisant of the fact that in recent times, Nigerian missions have been beset with several challenges, such as poor state of the mission houses, poor state of infrastructure and facilities, inability to pay staff salaries, ineffective diplomatic participation, and neglect of strategic foreign policy engagements, amongst others”, he added.

Chinda expressed worries that despite receiving yearly budgetary allocations appropriated for their smooth operations, including running costs, maintenance of facilities and staff welfare, the dwindling value of the naira has made same very inadequate, and the missions are therefore unable to meet their obligations especially in the USA.

“Perturbed that Nigeria’s international image is severely undermined by Such appalling neglect, mismanagement, and administrative decay in key diplomatic outposts – especially in the US, where Nigeria’ maintains Strategic interests and aspirations, including her long-standing quest for & permanent seat on the UN security Council.

“Worried that unless very Urgent and pragmatic steps are immediately taken to investigate and address this issue, the country may lose he, respect in the eyes of her Citizenry and may in the long run Plunge the country into ridicule and irrelevance among global actors”, the motion reads further.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the relevant committees to investigate and report back within 4 weeks for further legislative action.