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Pyrates Confraternity Calls for Re-engineering of Nigerian Foreign Mission for Optimal Performance

Pyrates Confraternity Calls for Re-engineering of Nigerian Foreign Mission for Optimal Performance
By Michael Mike
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity has called for the re-engineering of Nigerian foreign missions fir optimal performance.
The body, in Abuja on Friday listed some of the factors responsible for the underperformance to include inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, among others.
In a research document unveiled in Abuja and titled ‘State of Nigerian Embassies and Consulates,’ NAS said the issue of Nigerian embassies has continued to be a source of concern to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, and equally friends of Nigeria who are embarrassed by all manners of stories about the situation and services at the embassies.
In the executive summary, the association further said it decided to commission a study to determine the actual condition of the embassies and consulates through the #OurVotesCount initiative.
It said the method of study involved site visitation to the embassies and consulates, desktop review and analysis of 358 respondents from a cross-sectional survey.

“The survey was designed to ascertain the experiences and provided perceptions of Nigerians and non Nigerians who use the services at the embassies and consulates. Nigeria currently has 219 missions abroad, but the initial target of the study was 94 embassies and 12 consulates. The following embassies or consulates were informed of the study’s objectives: the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Consulates in Atlanta, and New York, Embassies of Nigeria in The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, and Australia. The Nigerian High Commissions in Ottawa, London and Consular Affairs Annex, London; Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.
According to the report: “The importance of a country’s missions abroad cannot be overemphasised because sometimes, how they are perceived serve as a Measure of the prestige of a nation. Moreover, there is a nexus between a country’s mission, the pursuance of its national interests, and the implementation of its foreign policies. In essence, a nation’s diplomatic mission abroad plays an important role.
“The general perception is that Nigerian missions are not living up to the expectations of Nigerians and foreigners who use the services they provide. This study highlights inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, as some of the issues hindering the optimal service delivery of the embassies. In addition, the general impression is that the staff show some apathetic attitude towards the plights of Nigerians.”
The National Association of Seadogs however said the situation was not all gloom, insisting: “There are limited instances where embassy staff were reported to have been very professional, friendly, and courteous. There is an enthusiastic Nigerian atmosphere a sound queuing system, observing COVID-19 protocol, timely service, and efficiency in some cases,” but lamented that: “Unfortunately, these situations as observed, were few rather than the norm. The survey respondents’ perceptions about services received showed that only 20 percent of respondents were satisfied with services received at the embassy, 22 percent were neutral, and 58 percent were dissatisfied. The physical infrastructure/presentation of the Nigerian embassy was considered excellent/good by about 7 percent of respondents. In comparison, 66 percent believed the infrastructure/presentation was poor. and 27 percent felt the infrastructure/presentation was average.
“The attitude of the staff was considered satisfactory by approximately only one (1) in every five (5) respondents, while 56 percent believed the attitude of staff was not satisfactory and 25 percent were neutral.
However, about 31 percent of respondents indicated that they have had to pay non-official fees compared to 67 percent that did not pay any non-official fees. The reason for the payment includes expediting passport renewal, securing an appointment, payment to an agent or Nigerian association to facilitate service, and making photocopies at the embassy,” the National Association of Seadogs noted in the report.
In its recommendations, the National Association of Seadogs called for the establishment of a special trust fund for the acquisition, equipment, and maintenance of Nigerian embassies and consulates, with at least 20 percent of revenues generated from consular services domiciled in it. is long overdue.
This, the association stated, will help to reduce the over dependence on the annual national budget.
The association also called for the increment in budgetary allocation towards the acquisition of befitting embassies and consulate buildings and maintenance of existing infrastructure in Nigeria’s foreign missions is imperative and timely.
Amongst others, the research advocated for the removal of the quota system in the employment of embassy and consulate staff, saying that employment in that area should be strictly based on merit.
News
Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region.
The Governor was speaking on Tuesday at the Government House when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu.
Governor Zulum listed security, Dry Inland Ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast.

Zulum noted, “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it.”
“So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.”

“Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”
Zulum, however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors’ commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate.
The Governor also commended the North East Development Commission for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno.
Speaking earlier, the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu, stressed the need for close collaboration with the North East Governors Forum to achieve the broader North East Stabilisation and Development Plan (NESDP).

The minister noted that the Ministry of Regional Development will ensure adequate supervision of NEDC to achieve the need to rebuild and stabilise the northeast region after years of insurgency and economic disruption.
The delegation comprises the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah, other committee members; the Chairman of the NEDC board, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (Rtd); the MD/CEO of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and other senior management officials.
Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
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Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years since returning to democracy, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has insisted that the important ingredient needed for the nation’s democracy to thrive was missing.
Speaking at an interaction with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, WIPF Chairperson, Barr. Ebere Ifendu said the Special Seat Bill, a groundbreaking proposal “is not merely an adjustment within our legislative framework; rather, it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in our governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.”
She added that: “Today, we stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy—a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.”

Ifendu said: “The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly—4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives—resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria. This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress.”
She lamented that: “Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments. This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change.”
She explained that: “The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.
“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria. The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy. Importantly, this bill includes a sunset clause that mandates a comprehensive review every 16 years, reinforcing our commitment to ensure its impact remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving society.”
Ifendu noted that: “The journey of the Special Seat Bill is rich with historical significance and advocacy. Initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly by the formidable Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in collaboration with a coalition of 85 lawmakers, including the distinguished former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill exemplifies a collective ambition for true gender equality. Although it faced formidable obstacles and ultimately fell short in its most recent vote in March 2022, the bill stands as a testament to the relentless push for women’s rights and representation within our political framework.
“In response to concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increasing the number of legislative seats, the revised proposal has been meticulously crafted to show that enhancing representation is not a financial burden. The anticipated cost of implementing this bill would be less than 1% of our annual national budget, a figure that illustrates a responsible approach to governance that champions equity without compromising our fiscal integrity.”
She assured that: “Should this transformative bill pass, it would not merely amend our Constitution; it would signify a profound shift in our legislative landscape, ensuring that the voices of women are both recognized and integrated into the core of power structures. This initiative not only aims to elevate women but also seeks to uplift other historically marginalized groups, striving for a legislative environment that genuinely reflects the rich diversity and complexity of our nation.”
She decried that: “The current statistics paint a dismal picture: a mere 3 women serve in the Senate, 14 in the House of Representatives, and only 48 in State Houses of Assembly—a haunting reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to political influence. Nigeria’s alarmingly low ranking of 179 out of 183 countries regarding women’s representation accentuates the imperative for decisive, impactful action to ensure that women’s voices are woven into the legislative fabric where they rightfully belong.”
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
News
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja

Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
In a heartwarming celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, Hope Everyday Foundation (H.E.F.), a medical non-governmental organization based in Kuje, Abuja, organized a free medical outreach, health awareness campaign, and welfare donation exercise at a local orphanage and school, Al Ansar Children’s Home.
Continuing its tradition of reaching out to vulnerable children, H.E.F. selected Al Ansar Children’s Home — located in the Hajiya Zara neighborhood of Kuje Area Council — as its outreach destination for 2025.
The event brought together a team of 34 volunteers, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists, and administrative staff, all committed to making positive impact.
Executive Director HEF, Dr. Nkechi Akinwale, while presenting the relief materials, emphasized the organisation’s mission to spread love and hope.
Akinwale said, “Each of you is special to God Almighty. We are here to let you feel that love and care.”
The Foundation donated essential welfare and relief materials, including rice, beans, noodles, milk, eggs, cereals, diapers, toilet paper, detergent, fully stocked first aid box — the first of its kind received by the orphanage
The Children’s Day outreach also featured engaging health education sessions delivered through drama, songs, quizzes, and interactive games. Children were thrilled to receive party packs containing exercise books, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, snacks, and drinks.
Delivering his vote of thanks, Coordinator of Al Ansar Children’s Home, Ustaz Yunus expressed deep gratitude to the Organisation for the gift items.
Yunus said, “We have never received a fully stocked first aid box before, this is historic for us.”
He prayed for divine blessings upon HEF staff and volunteers. Matron and Assistant Head, Rukkayat Muhammad, added emotionally, “H.E.F really shocked me today.”
The event concluded with a free medical check-up for all orphanage staff, including, vital signs assessment (blood pressure, temperature, laboratory tests for malaria, typhoid, and blood sugar, on-site doctors consultation and free medications
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
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