….Community Alleges Repeated Appeals For Private Funding Of Emergency, Consular Interventions
…Petitioners Seek Anti-Graft Agencies’ Intervention, 30-Day Meeting With Mission Officials
Daud Olatunji
Concerned Nigerians living in Ghana have petitioned the Federal Government and anti-corruption agencies over the alleged poor management and utilisation of funds allocated to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
The petitioners demanded transparency in the handling of funds appropriated for the mission, particularly those meant for consular services, emergency interventions and the welfare of Nigerians in Ghana.
The petition, dated August 18, 2026, was signed on behalf of the concerned Nigerians by Amb. Oloye Oyeyemisola Fatuyi, Baale of the Yoruba Community, Mataheko Afienya, Tema, and Chairman of the Greater Accra Yoruba Community, Ghana, alongside Nii Sakumono Okpelente 1, Noryaa Mantse of Greater Accra.
Copies of the petition were addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner in Accra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
They were also sent to the chairmen of the National Assembly committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The petitioners specifically requested a detailed breakdown of funds allocated and released to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra under the 2025 Appropriation Act, as well as any special intervention funds provided to address operational challenges in Nigeria’s foreign missions.
They said such disclosure was necessary to establish how funds meant for consular services and the welfare of Nigerians in Ghana had been utilised.
According to the group, the Federal Government’s budget provides for the operation of Nigeria’s foreign missions, including consular services and welfare interventions for Nigerians abroad.
They, however, alleged that members of the Nigerian community in Ghana had repeatedly been called upon to finance responsibilities they believed should ordinarily be handled by the High Commission.
The petitioners listed emergency welfare cases, repatriation assistance, detention-related matters and other consular interventions among situations where Nigerians were allegedly asked to provide financial support, sometimes on the grounds that the mission had no funds.
“This situation raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the effective utilisation of resources appropriated for our missions,” the petitioners said.
They argued that the alleged situation had placed an undue financial and moral burden on Nigerians in Ghana, whom they said continued to contribute to Nigeria’s economy through remittances while also promoting the country’s image abroad.
The group also referred to a recent appeal by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging Nigerians in the diaspora to project Nigeria positively before the international community.
The petitioners said they were willing to support that national responsibility but insisted that Nigerians abroad must have confidence in the institutions established to represent and protect their interests.
They said, “The prevailing narrative that ‘there are no funds’ while allocations exist in the national budget erodes trust and makes it difficult for us to defend the image of Nigeria with sincerity.”
…30-day town hall demanded
The Nigerians demanded that the Federal Government convene an interactive session or town hall meeting with recognised leaders of the Nigerian community in Ghana within 30 days.
They said the meeting should provide an opportunity for the authorities to respond to the concerns raised and develop a clear welfare intervention plan for Nigerians residing in the country.
The petitioners also called for the immediate and adequate release of funds to the High Commission to enable it to perform its statutory responsibilities without unnecessary delays or dependence on private individuals.
They further demanded the establishment of a regular accountability and feedback mechanism through which the Nigerian community in Ghana could be informed about the utilisation of funds earmarked for their welfare.
The group stressed that its petition was not intended to cast aspersions on the Nigerian High Commission but to seek clarification, strengthen accountability and improve relations between the mission and the Nigerian community.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We cannot and must not allow dishonesty, inefficiency, or poor stewardship to define our service to the nation,” the petitioners said.
They added, “Enough is enough.”
The petitioners urged the Federal Government, National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies to treat the matter as urgent and provide feedback on the issues raised, saying this would help restore confidence among Nigerians in Ghana.
PLATFORM TIMES could not independently verify the allegations contained in the petition as of the time of filing this report. The Nigerian High Commission in Accra and other authorities named in the petition should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Source : Sahara Reporter
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