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

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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.

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Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

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Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

By: Zagazola Makama

A train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna on Tuesday derailed after reportedly missing a point, Zagazola reports.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, and the number of fatalities or casualties could not be immediately ascertained.

Emergency responders and security agencies are said to be moving to the scene, while officials are yet to issue an official statement on the development.

Abuja–kaduna train derails with perssengers onboard, casualties feared

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Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

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Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

By: Zagazola

The Police in Adamawa have launched a manhunt for a suspect alleged to have killed a villager over a dispute involving his wife in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident occurred in Wuro Bakumbo village, where one Hamman Shomo allegedly attacked Hammadu Shagari with a knife following a quarrel.

It said the quarrel, which took place on Sunday, stemmed from Shomo’s suspicion that Shagari was having an affair with his wife, identified as 20-year-old Rabi Alim.

According to sources, Shagari initially escaped into the bush after the attack, but his lifeless body was discovered the next day, (Monday) lying in a pool of blood with deep cuts on his back.

The sources said the scene was visited by police, documented, and the corpse evacuated to General Hospital, Numan, for autopsy.

The sources said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been detailed to carry out discreet investigation.

Man kills rival over alleged affair with wife in Adamawa

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Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

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Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed men have killed a vigilante and abducted three members of a family in Katsina metropolis, the Police Command has confirmed.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Filin Canada Quarters, behind Steel Rolling Mill.

The sources explained that the assailants broke into the residence of one Anas Ahmadu, and abducted him, his wife Halimatu, and their daughter, Jidda.

According to the sources, a vigilante member attached to the area, Abdullahi Muhammad, 25, was shot by the attackers while attempting to resist the abduction.

He was rushed to the General Hospital, Katsina, where he was confirmed dead.

Security operatives have been directed to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators, rescue the victims and restore normalcy in the area.

Gunmen kill vigilante, abduct man, wife and child in katsina

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