Nigerian immigration attachés stationed in diplomatic missions across the world have reportedly gone for more than a year without receiving their salaries, sparking concerns over their welfare and the effective functioning of Nigeria’s foreign service. According to reports, officers tasked with key responsibilities in embassies and consulates have been left financially stranded as months of unpaid wages continue to accumulate.
The prolonged non-payment has taken a toll on many officers and their families, with some forced to send loved ones back to Nigeria due to the inability to cover rent, schooling and basic living expenses in host countries. The dire situation has also been linked to morale decline among personnel who are expected to represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.
The crisis has drawn the attention of Nigeria’s lawmakers, with a House of Representatives committee reportedly questioning the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over the delays in paying entitlements. The government’s failure to meet payroll obligations has raised questions about the administrative and financial management of foreign service personnel.
Critics and rights groups have condemned the situation, warning that leaving officers unpaid for such an extended period undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and could pose security risks. They argue that officers operating without adequate support may struggle to effectively carry out consular duties, including visa processing, passport services and protection of Nigerians abroad.
Efforts to reach official spokespeople for comment on the matter have been reported as unsuccessful, leaving many to call for urgent intervention from federal authorities to resolve the payment backlog and prevent further hardship for immigration personnel serving overseas.
