An independent study on the state of Nigeria’s Embassies and consulates has recommended the establishment of a special trust fund for acquisition, equipment and maintainable of the Embassies and consulates, with at least 20 percent of revenues generated from Consular services domiciled in it.
The International president of National Association of Seadogs, Abiola Owoaje in Abuja on Friday, explained that the research will help to reduce the over dependence on annual national budgets.
The state of Nigerian Missions abroad have over time come under scrutiny with many people registering their disappointment over the facilities and poor service provisions.
The foreign affairs committee of the House of representatives recently invited the Minister of foreign affairs to explain why the missions have continued to suffer neglect despite huge budgetary allocations.
The research study and report by the National Association of seadogs, targeted 94 Embassies and 12 consulates, and it is aimed at helping government in decision making and reforms.
The report attributes the current status of Nigeria’s foreign missions to poor funding, inadequate staff strength, low competence among staff, corruption, amongst others.
The report however asked the National Assembly to initiate Legislative proposals for the establishment of a separate National foreign service as well as placing limits on the appointment of non career Ambassadors
The report also highlighted the need for radical restructuring of Nigeria’s foreign policy system.
