By Chief Peter Ameh, Former National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and 2019 Presidential Candidate
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its journey to assert itself as a key player on the global stage. As a nation endowed with vast human and natural resources, our ability to project influence, attract investment, and forge strategic partnerships is fundamentally tied to the strength of our foreign policy and the institutions that support it. Unfortunately, the 2025 Federal Budget’s allocation of just ₦353.77 billion—roughly $221.1 million USD at the prevailing black-market exchange rate of ₦1,600 to $1—to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signals a worrying lack of foresight and commitment to Nigeria’s international interests.
This severely underwhelming budget raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and undermines our capacity to engage effectively in the global arena. At a time when diplomatic agility and international collaboration are essential for national development, the failure to adequately fund our foreign affairs apparatus is not only short-sighted—it is dangerous.
Diplomatic Functionality Undermined
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is entrusted with the critical responsibility of managing Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, promoting economic and political interests abroad, and strengthening multilateral and bilateral ties. These functions are central to securing foreign direct investment, expanding trade opportunities, and increasing Nigeria’s global influence. Yet, the allocation of a mere ₦353.77 billion is grossly inadequate when compared to the operational demands of embassies, consulates, and missions across the world.
This budget is expected to cover the costs of diplomatic staff salaries, mission upkeep, consular services, participation in international negotiations, multilateral engagements, and more. In reality, $221 million is a fraction of what is needed for Nigeria to maintain even a modest but effective global diplomatic presence. As such, this underfunding is not merely a fiscal oversight—it is a strategic failure.
Operational Fallout
Many of our foreign missions are already struggling—staff salaries are delayed, embassy buildings are crumbling, and resources for effective representation are virtually nonexistent. This budget cut will only deepen these existing challenges. Our diplomats, who serve as the face of the nation, should be equipped with the tools, resources, and institutional backing to operate with dignity and efficiency.
Without sufficient funding, Nigeria’s foreign missions risk becoming symbols of abandonment rather than vehicles for promoting national interest. The result will be reduced global engagement, missed trade opportunities, and a further decline in Nigeria’s image abroad.
A Wider Strategic Disconnect
The paltry budget allocation reflects a broader failure in strategic thinking and national planning. In an era defined by geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty, and the urgent need for multilateral solutions to global problems such as climate change and insecurity, foreign policy must be backed by real investment.
The government’s stated ambitions—to lead in Africa, attract foreign investments, and secure a stronger voice in global affairs—stand in stark contrast to its actions. You cannot run 21st-century diplomacy on 20th-century budgets.
Reputational and Economic Consequences
Beyond operational inefficiencies, underfunding our foreign affairs sector damages Nigeria’s global credibility. International partners and investors interpret budgetary commitments as signals of seriousness. If Nigeria does not prioritize its diplomatic institutions, why should others take our global aspirations seriously?
A weak foreign ministry limits our ability to shape international discussions, negotiate favorable deals, and defend national interests in forums where decisions about trade, security, and development are made. The long-term effect is a sidelined Nigeria—present in name, but absent in influence.
A Call for Urgent Redress
This budgetary oversight must not stand. The federal government should immediately revisit the 2025 budget and provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a more realistic allocation. This funding should support the modernization of our diplomatic missions, improve staff welfare, and enable the strategic pursuit of Nigeria’s foreign and economic interests.
Furthermore, Nigeria must adopt a coherent foreign policy strategy that links diplomatic priorities to broader national development goals. Budgeting must reflect this strategic vision.
The ₦353.77 billion allocation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not only insufficient—it is a missed opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the world. For a country with Nigeria’s potential, our foreign policy infrastructure must be funded, focused, and future-driven.
The time to act is now. Anything less is a disservice to the Nigerian people and a betrayal of our collective aspiration to become a respected and prosperous global force.
Chief Peter Ameh
Former National Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC)
2019 Presidential Candidate
For media inquiries: saintpeter.ameh@gmail.com
