The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday raised concerns over the worsening welfare conditions of Nigerian diplomats abroad, revealing that many of their children are being withdrawn from schools due to unpaid fees.
Akpabio made the disclosure during the screening of Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“It has come to our notice that children of Nigerian diplomats serving in various countries abroad have been withdrawn from school because their parents cannot afford to pay their school fees,” he said.
He attributed the development to the non-payment of salaries and allowances owed to the diplomats by the Federal Government.
“These diplomats can’t pay their children’s school fees because their salaries and allowances are not being paid by the Nigerian government,” he added.
Although the Senate President did not specify the countries affected, he described the situation as “pathetic” and requiring urgent attention.
Akpabio clarified that his remarks were not intended as criticism of the Federal Government but rather a call for immediate intervention to address the welfare challenges faced by Nigerian diplomats overseas.
He urged the ministerial nominee to outline strategies for resolving the issue if confirmed.
Ambassador Enikanolaye was subsequently confirmed after presenting his credentials and detailing his over three decades of diplomatic experience, including postings in countries such as Canada.
