The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana as both countries intensify efforts to resolve the ownership dispute surrounding the River Park Estate along Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja.

The assurance was given on Thursday when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana in Abuja to discuss recent developments involving a commercial dispute between a Ghanaian investor and his Nigerian business partner.

The meeting focused on ensuring that the multi-billion-naira property dispute does not escalate into a diplomatic issue capable of affecting the cordial relations that have existed between both countries for decades.

Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana and assured the Ghanaian delegation that the Federal Government would address the concerns through appropriate diplomatic and institutional channels.

He explained that although the matter appears to be commercial and legal in nature, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would carefully review the issues raised before forwarding its recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for further action.

“The Ministry attaches great importance to issues affecting the welfare of citizens of friendly countries residing in Nigeria and will carefully examine the concerns presented,” Ahmed said.

He further assured the delegation that relevant government institutions would be engaged where necessary through established diplomatic channels to ensure the matter is handled responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that the country remains dedicated to protecting legitimate investments while encouraging all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and lawful procedures.

Earlier, the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana thanked the Permanent Secretary for granting the delegation an audience at short notice, describing the meeting as another reflection of the strong diplomatic ties between both countries.

She explained that Ghana considered it important to engage the Nigerian government through official diplomatic channels to prevent the commercial disagreement from creating unnecessary public tension capable of affecting bilateral relations.

The envoy expressed concern over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals connected with the investment, alleging that recent developments surrounding the ownership dispute had heightened tensions.

She appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate engagement with relevant Nigerian authorities and urged the government to ensure the protection of lives, property and investments while legal proceedings continue.

The Acting High Commissioner maintained that Ghana remains committed to resolving the matter peacefully and in accordance with the law, expressing confidence that both countries possess the diplomatic maturity required to prevent the dispute from affecting broader cooperation.

Responding, Ambassador Ahmed assured the delegation that Nigeria values its historic relationship with Ghana and remains committed to maintaining an environment that encourages investment, protects foreign nationals and promotes mutual trust among partner nations.

He added that the Ministry would continue working closely with the Ghana High Commission and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the dispute is managed in a manner that safeguards the interests of all parties without undermining the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Ghana.

The ownership dispute over River Park Estate has attracted significant public attention in recent months, with both governments now emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy and legal processes as the appropriate path toward a lasting resolution.

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Speaking at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council held in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar described the reported visa restrictions as non-tariff barriers that could obstruct trade deals, discourage diplomatic engagement, and restrict access to critical global opportunities for the region.

“If implemented, this would be an unfortunate setback,” Tuggar said. “Our region holds enormous economic potential, and we are eager to engage in global trade and investment. However, restrictions on mobility disrupt the flow of deals and collaboration.”

Highlighting ECOWAS’s resource wealth, Tuggar emphasized that the region is not only rich in human capital but also home to strategic minerals, including rare earth elements like samarium, found in Nigeria’s Bauchi State.

“West Africa is open for business,” he said. “The question is, who is ready to seize the opportunities? Barriers like visa limitations send the wrong signal.”

The minister urged the U.S. to adopt a more constructive approach that facilitates cross-border dialogue, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially as ECOWAS countries increasingly look to diversify partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and technology.

“West Africa can be a strategic energy and trade partner. We seek collaboration based on mutual needs, and if the U.S. closes its doors, others will walk through ours,” he added.

While the U.S. administration has yet to formally confirm the full list of countries affected, reports suggest the proposed restrictions would apply to over two dozen African nations. These include Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and other key regional players. Concerns cited include gaps in civil documentation systems and administrative shortcomings.

Tuggar concluded by calling for meaningful dialogue between ECOWAS and Washington to resolve the issue, stating:
“We are committed to fostering prosperity and peace. Visa barriers will only delay progress. Let’s build bridges, not borders.”

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Senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move, describing it as a temporary relief strategy aimed at easing the severe financial strain experienced by Nigeria’s 109 overseas diplomatic posts.

The initiative follows months of delayed payments to foreign service personnel, with over 450 officers reportedly going unpaid for up to six months. This has caused significant disruption in operations and placed embassy staff in precarious financial situations.

One ministry source explained that the intervention is designed to “mitigate the immediate impact of funding shortfalls,” particularly for missions unable to meet salary obligations, pay rent, or manage basic operational needs such as consular services for Nigerians abroad.

While the exact amount of the intervention package remains undisclosed, multiple sources indicated it will target embassies facing the most urgent constraints.

The intervention comes against the backdrop of persistent budgetary and administrative hurdles. Despite an increase in personnel funding allocations over the past five years—including ₦214.64 billion earmarked in the proposed 2025 federal budget—many embassies have continued to face delayed disbursements and insufficient operational support.

The 2025 appropriation bill, still awaiting executive assent as of mid-May, is seen as a key reason for the delay in financial releases to embassies.

Several Nigerian missions have reported having to suspend routine services, with staff often using personal funds to maintain basic functions. In some instances, unpaid bills have led to threats of legal action from service providers abroad.

Compounding the situation is the diplomatic vacuum created by the 2023 recall of 83 ambassadors, a decision tied to the administration’s broader reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities under President Bola Tinubu.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has previously acknowledged the funding crisis, noting that effective diplomacy cannot be sustained without adequate financial backing. “There’s little sense in sending ambassadors abroad if we cannot support them with the means to function effectively,” he stated.

The government’s planned intervention is expected to offer immediate relief while longer-term reforms are developed to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic infrastructure and financial management.

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