Poor budget for foreign ministry threatens Nigeria’s global influence – Ameh Peter

A 2019 Presidential candidate, Ameh Peter, has said that the inadequate fund allocation to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 2025 national budget is a threat to Nigeria’s global standing in the comity of nations of the world.

The former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) specifically opined that the poor funding of the Foreign Affairs Ministry has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s international interests.

In a statement he issued on Saturday in Abuja, the politician explained that the grossly insufficient funding not only undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic capabilities but also signals a troubling lack of strategic vision and competence in managing our external relations.

His position was said to have been informed by the inability of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to appropriately respond to and tackle challenges emanating on the foreign scenes.

According to him, the ₦353.77 billion allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 2025 Federal Budget is not only insufficient but also a missed opportunity to advance Nigeria’s global standing.

As a nation with immense potential, he said, Nigeria deserved a foreign policy apparatus that is adequately funded, strategically driven, and capable of delivering tangible results.

He appealed to the federal government to act swiftly to correct the budgetary anomaly and demonstrate its commitment to a vibrant and effective foreign policy, adding that anything less would be a disservice to the Nigerian people and a betrayal of our aspirations for a prosperous and influential future.

The statement partly read:

“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its quest to assert itself as a formidable player on the global stage. As a nation endowed with immense human and natural resources, our ability to project influence, secure economic opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships hinges on the robustness of our foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.

“However, the 2025 Federal Budget’s allocation of a mere ₦353.77 billion—equivalent to approximately $221.1 million USD at an exchange rate of ₦1,600 to $1 (black market)—to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raises profound concerns about the government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s international interests.

“This grossly insufficient funding not only undermines our diplomatic capabilities but also signals a troubling lack of strategic vision and competence in managing our external relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with the monumental responsibility of overseeing Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, promoting our economic and political interests, and strengthening ties with the global community.

“These functions are pivotal to driving foreign investment, securing trade partnerships, and enhancing Nigeria’s influence in international organizations. Yet, the allocation of just ₦353.77 billion to this critical ministry is a stark indication of misplaced priorities.

“To put this figure into perspective, $221.1 million is a paltry sum when compared to the operational costs of maintaining embassies, consulates, and high commissions across the world, not to mention the expenses associated with diplomatic engagements, staff welfare, and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s global agenda.

“This underfunding is not merely a budgetary oversight; it is a recipe for failure that jeopardizes Nigeria’s ability to compete in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.

“The implications of this inadequate allocation are far-reaching. Nigeria’s foreign missions, already grappling with challenges such as unpaid allowances and dilapidated infrastructure, will be further strained, diminishing their capacity to effectively represent the nation.

“Our diplomats, who serve as the face of Nigeria abroad, deserve the resources necessary to carry out their duties with dignity and efficiency.

“Without adequate funding, our embassies risk becoming symbols of neglect rather than beacons of Nigeria’s aspirations. Moreover, the lack of financial support hampers the ministry’s ability to pursue proactive economic diplomacy, such as negotiating trade agreements or attracting foreign direct investment, both of which are essential for addressing Nigeria’s domestic challenges, including unemployment and economic diversification.

“Beyond the operational constraints, the 2025 budget’s allocation to foreign affairs reflects a broader failure of coordination and strategic planning. A nation’s foreign policy is only as effective as the resources and vision behind it.

“By assigning such a meager budget to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government demonstrates a troubling disconnect between its stated ambitions and the practical steps required to achieve them. In an era where global partnerships are critical to addressing issues such as climate change, security, and economic recovery, Nigeria cannot afford to adopt a passive or underfunded approach to international relations.

“Strategic partnerships with regional and global powers, as well as active participation in multilateral institutions, require deliberate investment and foresight—qualities that are conspicuously absent in the current budgetary framework.

“The underfunding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also raises questions about the government’s competence and intentions. Is this a deliberate attempt to weaken Nigeria’s global presence, or simply a case of poor prioritization?

“Either way, the consequences are dire. A nation that fails to invest in its diplomatic infrastructure risks being sidelined in global decision-making processes, losing opportunities to shape international policies that impact its citizens.

“Furthermore, the lack of adequate funding sends a discouraging signal to potential investors and partners, who may perceive Nigeria as a nation lacking the capacity or ambition to engage meaningfully on the world stage.

“To address this critical issue, the government must take immediate steps to review and revise the 2025 budget, ensuring that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives the funding it needs to fulfill its mandate.

“This includes allocating resources to modernize our diplomatic missions, enhance staff welfare, and pursue initiatives that promote Nigeria’s economic and political interests.

“Additionally, the government should adopt a more coordinated and strategic approach to foreign policy, aligning budgetary allocations with clearly defined national priorities. By doing so, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in Africa and a respected voice in global affairs,” it said.

Poor budget for foreign ministry threatens Nigeria’s global influence – Ameh Peter