House of Representatives has urged the federal government to put on hold any proposed plan to recall the heads of chanceries from Nigeria’s foreign missions abroad.
This was sequel to adoption of a motion titled: “Urgent Need to halt the move to recall all Nigerian heads of Chancery from Nigeria’s Foreign Missions abroad,” sponsored by Hon. Umar Ajilo from Kaduna State at plenary.
Moving the motion, Ajilo explained that the core functions of the Nigeria’s heads of diplomatic missions abroad are the representation of the government of Nigeria in the receiving countries, presenting the policies of the Nigerian government to the host countries, safeguarding the interests of Nigeria nationals in the host countries amongst others.
He expressed worry over a development sometime in 2023 when Nigeria recalled all her ambassadors in a major diplomatic shakeup that affected both career and non-career ambassadors.
According to the lawmaker there is a current plot or move to recall all heads of chancery from all Nigerian foreign missions abroad.
“Aware that the heads of chancery are responsible to the High Commissioners/Ambassadors whose major functions include the general administration of the Mission which entails ensuring effective communication link between the headquarters and the rest of the world, preparation of the Mission’s budget and secretary to the Mission’s Tender Board amongst others.
“Considering the important roles of the heads of Chancery to Nigerian Foreign Missions as highlighted above, the recall of all Nigerian heads of chancery at a time when Nigeria has no Ambassadors, having earlier withdrawn all her ambassadors in her foreign Missions will give credence to the dangerous assertion of political instability back home and that will be hazardous to Nigerian diplomatic relations with other countries and a huge disservice to Nigerians abroad who may need their services,” he said.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to liaise with the Minister of Foreign Affairs with a view to resolving all issues in respect of Nigeria’s foreign Missions and report back to the House for further legislative actions.
