The House of Representatives is set to investigate claims of financial mismanagement involving $172,000 allocated to Nigerian diplomatic missions in Vietnam, China, and North Korea between 2021 and 2024.
The funds were reportedly meant for operational costs, personnel, and capital expenditures at these missions. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has invited key individuals, including former regional accountant Shakiru Yahaya, to provide information during the probe.
Oluwole Oke, chairman of the committee, stated that the investigation will cover alleged breaches of the Appropriations Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Procurement Act, and other financial regulations. Specific concerns include the possible use of $102,000 designated for capital projects on recurrent expenses and the alleged disbursement of $70,000 to a former ambassador’s family in Vietnam without receipts.
The review will also examine funds carried over from previous budgets, including claims of over $3.5 million mismanaged in missions in China and North Korea.
Officials from the Nigerian Mission in Vietnam declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the ministry had no details at the moment but would follow up with the missions once formally notified by the House.
This latest probe comes after earlier investigations into financial irregularities in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, including a $2 million diversion intended for renovating Nigeria’s Permanent Representative’s residence in New York. The committee’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in managing public funds abroad.
