ABSENCE OF AMBASSADORS IN OUR DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS BY M K ILYASU

ABSENCE OF AMBASSADORS IN OUR DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS

BY M K ILYASU

There is so much talk on PBAT reluctance to appoint Ambassadors, which some equate with “Failure on Foreign Policy Strategy”. Is that so simple a matter that can be handled sine qua non to his non appearances on international forums? Come on people, let’s get serious on matters that matter most to this country.

INTRODUCTION

To begin with, I am not foreign to Foreign Affairs issues, nor to our Nation’s foreign policies, because my 29 years working experience was with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
I retired voluntarily in 2002, having successfully served in some of the most difficult posts during their trial times, beginning with Congo Kinshasa (DRC), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during their Gulf War and Ethiopia/Eritrea where I also experienced brothers killing one another on some inglorious war.

CRUX OF THE MATTER

First of all, do you have any idea how those Missions are run? Apart from representation, do you know the cost implications? How much monies are spent and on what?

Do you know some of our A and B missions have properties that lie unutilized, yet continued to gulp monies allocated when those under utilized properties could as well generate monies and fund Mission’s financial requirements? If this problem is left to continue, what happens if nothing is done?

Let’s get serious. Do you consider funding Missions important? When do you think things may get worst?

Is it the representation that is the problem or the welfare of serving staff which includes housing, allowances, medical, school fees, maintenance. Logistics etc. These are pre-requisites to any functional Embassy.

In broad terms, what would a solution look like? What part of the problem do you have influence over? And what problems might your proposed solution create?

I am sharing my thoughts out and loud, because I’m very much concern with our representation like any patriotic Nigerian. But, I’m equally concerned about the welfare of our career foreign service officers.

PBAT undoubtedly is pragmatic and realist. He does not encourage good appearances on “Empty Stomach”. We can not run a country like “A Beggar Nation”.

So what is the first and critical step to take? I would suggest to the govt to update the inventories of all the properties that the Nation owns all over the world and engage consultants to advise on how best to maximally utilize them in the interest of Nigerians.

Is PBAT on the right track of salvaging whatever is left of Nigeria’s integrity? I will say YES! We have wasted so much good will and opportunities. We need to stop wasting resources and opportunities and concentrate on improving our image.

PROPERTIES OWNED BY NIGERIAN GOVT

Let me give you an example. In our UK Mission, you do not need any land lord because the properties Nigeria owns, especially on Fleet Street is enough to cater for her serving officers. So why should Nigeria be embarrassed for failure to pay rent as and when due?

Another example is Ethiopia. The Embassy houses the Ambassador’s residence as well as Presidential, Ministerial and Delegate guest houses. These are edifices that were underutilized. We can generate funds by renting them out. This will also cut utility bills that is usually boned by Nigeria.

POSTINGS OVERSEAS

The criterion for posting officers to overseas mission was clear. I would suggest as of NOW, you do not consider posting Officers that may have ABOUT 3 YEARS TO RETIRE FROM SERVICE. Someone may ask WHY?

It is because resettlement after service would drain your energy as well as your pocket. The earlier a career Officer start considering retirement the longer and more fruitful life shall be.

3rd November 2025