Nigerian immigration attachés stationed in various diplomatic missions worldwide have reportedly been without pay for over a year, leading to significant financial distress among the affected officers. With Nigeria maintaining over 100 missions and embassies globally, the implications of this situation are far-reaching, impacting both the welfare of staff and the operational efficiency of the missions.
These immigration attachés are responsible for key services such as visa processing, passport issuance, and immigration-related documentation for both Nigerians and foreign nationals. However, according to multiple sources, many have been compelled to send their families back to Nigeria as they struggle to cope with the prolonged absence of their official allocations.
The gravity of the situation has caught the attention of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. In an official letter dated February 12, 2026, and signed by Hon. Oluwole Oke, the Committee Chairman representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, it was confirmed that immigration officers across several missions are owed allocations from the 2024 and 2025 budget periods.
This revelation followed oversight visits conducted by the committee to assess the implementation and performance of the budgets in question, as well as to prepare for the consideration of the 2026 budget estimates, Starnews NG can report.
The Committee’s communication highlighted that the non-payment of allocations, alongside insufficient personnel in some missions, has adversely affected the overall performance and efficiency of Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad. It stated, “Immigration attachés across various missions are being owed allocations from 2024–2025,” pointing out that inadequate staffing is further exacerbating the issue.
The lawmakers expressed concern that these financial difficulties not only hinder operational effectiveness but also tarnish Nigeria’s international standing and undermine the execution of the nation’s foreign policy objectives. To address this critical matter, the Committee has demanded that the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service provide a detailed explanation for the ongoing payment delays by February 23, 2026.
The Nigeria Immigration Service attachés play a vital role in supporting Nigerian missions abroad, facilitating essential travel documentation, assisting citizens in distress, and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. However, the continued delay in payments has raised serious concerns regarding the sustainability of consular services and the overall welfare of personnel representing Nigeria internationally.
This issue of unpaid allowances is not new. Reports indicate that as early as 2025, immigration officers had faced similar challenges, going without entitlements for up to 23 months, which left many in dire financial situations. The situation has reportedly forced some officers into “harsh survival conditions,” drawing attention to the risk of tarnishing Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
In 2024, immigration officers had already raised alarms about overdue allowances dating back to December 2023. While some payments were eventually made months later, the persistent delays have severely disrupted their livelihoods and affected their morale.
By mid-2025, numerous officers serving abroad had publicly appealed to President Bola Tinubu for intervention, warning that the neglect was making Nigeria “a laughing stock” internationally and adversely impacting their ability to support their families while stationed overseas.
As this situation unfolds, Starnews NG reports that it remains imperative for the relevant authorities to address the financial plight of immigration attachés, ensuring that they receive their due allocations in a timely manner to uphold Nigeria’s diplomatic responsibilities and enhance its image abroad.
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