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 PUNCH can report.

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 PUNCH reported that 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.

A yet-to-be identified policeman and his wife have killed each other after an unresolved disagreement in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

LEADERSHIP understands that the incident occurred on Tuesday in the Ita-Eku area along Igirigiri Road of Ado-Ekiti.

An impeccable source close to the area, said the man simply known as Caleb had misunderstanding with his wife, simply known as Tate after accusing her husband of engaging in infidelity and extramarital affairs.

The woman, according to report, suddenly attacked the man and cut off his manhood.

The policeman who was an Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) swifty reacted by attacking the woman with a matchet.

He reportedly smashed the woman’s head, face and some other parts of her body with the cutlass.

According to the source, the couple gave up the ghost later after the attack and their bodies have been deposited atthe morgue of an undisclosed hospital.

The late policeman was reportedly in his second marital relationship that unfortunately ended his life.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident, saying the matter was being investigated.

Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has revised its data pricing structure, implementing a tariff adjustment of up to 50 per cent, according to details published on its website on Monday.

The price revision, which affects various data bundles, aligns with ongoing industry concerns over escalating operational costs.

While the company has yet to issue an official statement, the move underscores the broader push among telecom operators for a tariff review to cushion the impact of inflation and forex volatility.

Beyond data adjustments, the operator with over 56 million subscribers had also increased voice call tariffs over the weekend.

A senior Airtel official, speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, confirmed the development, emphasising that the adjustments were necessitated by rising costs.

“Yes, we have updated data prices today, and they are available on our website. However, the increase is not up to 50 percent,” the official clarified.

In its revised price list, Airtel assured customers of continued affordability, stating, “Whatever your data needs are, we have a plan for you. Our fast, affordable, and reliable internet experience will keep you connected anytime, anywhere. To get started, Dial *312#.”

The revised daily and weekly data plans include N50 for 40MB valid for 1 day, N100 for 100MB valid for 1 day, N200 for 200MB valid for 3 days, N350 for 1GB valid for 1 day, N350 for 350MB valid for 7 days, N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify valid for 7 days, N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials valid for 7 days, N500 for 2GB valid for 2 days, and N1500 for 5GB valid for 7 days.

Similarly, MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has also adjusted its data and call tariffs in line with the NCC’s approval.

The revised pricing, implemented over the past week, has seen customers paying more for calls, SMS, and internet usage.

The latest increases come as telecom operators grapple with inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and the rising cost of network expansion.

While the adjustments aim to support long-term service improvements, subscribers may face increased financial pressure as communication costs rise.

Renowned Niger Delta leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, died on Monday at the age of 97.

His death was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday morning by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark.

The PANDEF also issued an official announcement, signed by its spokesman, Obiuwevbi Ominimini.

The statement was jointly released by Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.

Here are 10 key things to know about Edwin Clark:

• He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

• He started school at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.

• Between 1961 and 1964, he studied Law at Holborn College in the United Kingdom.

• His political career began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).

• Over the years, he held several important roles, including:

Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971)
Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)
Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)

• As Commissioner for Education, he helped establish the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.

• Clark was a strong voice for the Niger Delta, pushing for:l better resource control, environmental protection and economic development in the region

• He was a key figure in the PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently working for policies that supported the Niger Delta’s growth.

• He founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to provide education opportunities for young Nigerians.

Billionaire Aliko Dangote has described his $23bn Dangote Refinery project as the “biggest risk” of his life, acknowledging the challenges he faced in bringing the venture to fruition.

In an exclusive interview with Forbes on Monday, Dangote opened up about the risks involved in such a massive undertaking.

“It was the biggest risk of my life. If this didn’t work, I was dead,” he said.

Despite the refinery’s groundbreaking capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and its status as Africa’s largest, Dangote revealed that the journey to completion was fraught with uncertainties.

Dangote also spoke about the hurdles he faced in financing the project, the regulatory challenges, and securing suppliers.

Dangote said he is committed to providing a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa.

“We have to build our own nation by ourselves. We have to build our own continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment.

He added that Africa has been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa has the capacity to refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population,” he said.

Undeterred by the challenges, Dangote is determined to ensure the success of his refinery.

According to the Forbes report, despite establishing a family office in Dubai and involving his three daughters in various roles within the family business, his focus remains firmly on Nigeria.

He continues to dedicate much of his time to the refinery, regularly meeting with engineers and managers to oversee progress.

Dangote is also working on ambitious projects such as building a subsea pipeline to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Lagos and expanding the capacity of the refinery’s fertiliser plant.

Looking ahead, he plans to take the refinery public within the next year or two.

“I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet,” he said.

Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Edwin Clark, died on Monday at the age of 97.

A family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark, announced Clark’s death on Tuesday morning.

He was a Nigerian nationalist, elder statesman, lawyer and an influential political leader from the Niger Delta.

He was widely recognised for his unwavering advocacy for the region’s rights and development and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Below are the things to know about Clark

He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

Clark began his schooling at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.

Between 1961 and 1964, he studied law at Holborn College, United Kingdom.

Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).

Over the years, he held several key government positions, including: Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971)

Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)

Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)

As Commissioner for Education, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.

Clark was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for better resource control; environmental protection; and economic development for the region.

He was a key figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently fighting for policies that favoured the region’s growth.

Believing in the power of education, he founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to nurture future generations.

His influence in Nigeria’s politics spanned decades and he remained a respected elder statesman until his death on February 17, 2025.

Clark leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, education and an unrelenting pursuit of justice and equity for both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

The recent incursion of armed officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) into the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday has taken a new twist with more details emerging.

Naija News reports that a letter has surfaced indicating that the House had solicited the DSS to enhance security measures surrounding the Assembly complex in anticipation of February 18, 2025.

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The letter’s content referenced allegations that the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, intended to reclaim his former position.

Recall that operatives from the DSS and the Nigeria Police assumed control of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.

An ongoing leadership dispute within the Assembly prompted this action.

In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, it was cautioned that Obasa’s potential return could represent a security risk to both the Assembly and its members.

Consequently, the House has requested the DSS to assign operatives from February 16 to implement stringent access control measures within and around the premises.

“I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.

“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025 as the speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice,” the letter reads

The Ogun State Police Command has declared controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly leading a violent attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties.

In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the incident occurred on February 5, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. when three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office, TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi, were conducting an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.

During the exercise, the officials encountered Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar, a property linked to the singer.

Moments later, Portable, armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, allegedly led a gang of nine thugs in an attack on the unarmed officials.

Naija News learnt that the officials sustained injuries but managed to escape and reported the assault to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Singer Ignored Multiple Police Invitations

Odutola noted that Portable repeatedly ignored multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the statement read.

The police urged the public to provide information leading to his arrest, warning that anyone aiding him would face legal consequences.

Accomplices Arraigned, Granted Bail

This comes two weeks after nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting town planning officers.

The defendants, aged 19 to 28, pleaded not guilty to charges including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Police prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, said the defendants, along with Portable, obstructed the officials while performing their duties at Odogwu Bar.

Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant ₦5 million bail with sureties and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, has declared that Lagos State is not for kindergarten politics.

Igbokwe was reacting to the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.

Reports had it that DSS operatives took over the complex in an attempt to seal up the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk of the House.

Mojisola Meranda, the Speaker of the House, reportedly arrived around 12 pm with her convoy.

However, the lawmakers had expressed confidence in Meranda’s leadership.

Recall that Meranda emerged as Speaker on January 13, 2025, after Mudashiru Obasa was impeached.

Obasa was impeached while he was in the United States (US).

Upon his return, Obasa dismissed his impeachment, stressing that lawmakers never followed due process.

However, a letter signed by the Clerk of the Assembly requesting DSS operatives had emerged after the invasion.

The letter, dated February 14, said DSS operatives were requested to strengthen security around its premises ahead of February 18.

The letter cited reports that Obasa planned to resume as Speaker.

However, posting on his Facebook page, Igbokwe wrote: “I am yet to comprehend what happened at the Lagos State House of Assembly today. I know that Lagos is not a place for kindergarten politics.

“I know also that Lagos is not a state where anything goes. It is still the center of excellence. Dazzol.”

Embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, Adolphus Wabara, has revealed plans to woo Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to join the party.

Wabara said Otti’s developmental strides was evidence-based, and devoid of party politics, adding that PDP would love the governor to return back to its fold.

He disclosed this during yesterday at the International Conference Centre, ICC Umuahia, the Abia State Capital.

Wabara said Otti and his counterpart from Enugu State, Peter Mbah have been very outstanding in the entire South East.

He said: “Politics ends after campaigns and elections, then governance begins. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia.

“Governor, continue to do well. Our ancestors in Abia are with you, and I want to believe that you are on constant touch with them for guidance. Every Abian is happy with you.

“I came from Enugu two days ago and I saw the massive development by Governor Peter Mbah of the PDP. Even APC people are confessing that you and your colleague, Peter Mbah are pace setters.

“I have never mentioned your party – the Labour Party. I have always said Gov Alex Otti is doing well. Nobody knows where he will swing in 2027. So, when these characters ( Wabara’s critics) are doing this and that, let them know I’m talking about Alex Otti. We are all wooing him. Governor, we are all wooing you”.

This is coming at a time the former Senate President was engrossed in a crisis with PDP.

DAILY POST recalls that the PDP Abia State Working Committee, SWC, had suspended Wabara BoT Chairman.

But, the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, had nullified Wabara’s suspension.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the purported suspension violated the party’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) and does not follow due process