The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad.
News About Nigeria reports that the decision was made on Thursday following the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Ben Etanabene during a plenary session in Abuja.
Etanabene (Labour Party) represents the Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituencies in Delta State.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in promoting and regulating Nigeria’s image globally through its embassies and high commissions, which provide consular and diplomatic services.
He added that the government has initiated reforms to enhance service delivery in the ministry and its parastatals, including a new foreign policy focus known as the 4Ds (Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora).
Despite these efforts, Etanabene expressed concern that Nigerians face numerous challenges abroad, including difficulties in obtaining visas, harassment of business owners, and stranded students.
He also mentioned that many Nigerians are illegally detained or imprisoned in foreign countries, often under harsh conditions.
He said, “Concerned that many Nigerians are illegally held or imprisoned in foreign countries and often under harsh conditions that may lead to the loss of lives if urgent actions are not taken.
“Many Nigerian students are stranded in foreign lands over issues that can be resolved and many Nigerians-owned businesses around the world helping to contribute to the economy of those countries and sending remittances back home are suffering harassment and sabotage.
“Many Nigerians go through extreme difficulties to secure visas for legitimate travel, including government officials and legislators, after paying exorbitant visa fees.
“Embassies in a bid to ease visa application processes, have resulted in outsourcing the processes to agents whose cost of services is borne by Nigerians.”
Additionally, Etanabene noted that many Nigerian properties and assets abroad are underutilised or abandoned and that some missions have exceeded their local staff ceiling, leading to indebtedness.
To address these issues, the House mandated the Committee on Foreign Affairs to investigate and report back within three weeks.
