Nigerians in U.S. Raise Alarm Over Deplorable State of Nigeria House, Unpaid Embassy Staff

Nigerians in U.S. Raise Alarm Over Deplorable State of Nigeria House, Unpaid Embassy Staff

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigerians living in the United States, under the banner of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), have voiced strong concerns over the worsening condition of the Nigerian Embassy building, Nigeria House in New York, as well as the deteriorating welfare of staff working at the diplomatic mission.

In a statement issued on Sunday, OAN’s spokesperson, Ms. Funmi Dike, said the organisation felt “compelled to draw urgent and serious attention to the deplorable and deteriorating condition of the property.”

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Nigeria House is an iconic skyscraper that hosts both the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York. Once regarded as a symbol of national prestige, the building, according to OAN, has become “a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility.”

“This imposing structure, once a symbol of national pride and diplomatic strength, has now become a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility,” Dike lamented.

She added, “Over recent weeks and months, the building has descended into a condition unworthy of the great nation it represents.”

At the centre of the crisis is the complete failure of the central air conditioning and ventilation system, a situation made worse by the building’s architectural design, which lacks cross-ventilation or operable windows.

“During one of the hottest summers recorded in New York City, Permanent Mission and Consulate staff are forced to work in suffocating, oven-like conditions, relying on hand-held fans strapped to their bodies,” Dike said.

OAN also decried the distressing experience of Nigerians seeking consular services, many of whom endure long waits under harsh conditions. “Applicants, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and Nigerians traveling from far distances across the U.S., are subjected to these inhumane conditions,” the organisation said.

According to the group, the issue goes beyond inconvenience. “The condition is not just inconvenient; it is dangerous,” it stressed. “We must not wait until embarrassing images of the deplorable condition in the Nigeria House is widely circulated on social media before acting.”

The organisation described the building’s overall infrastructure as outdated and failing. “Poor maintenance, plumbing issues, unreliable elevators, stained ceilings and outdated fixtures reflect an embarrassing lack of foresight and priority from those responsible for the upkeep of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.”

OAN added that the deteriorating state of the facility is now affecting diplomatic functions. “Diplomats, unable to host visiting dignitaries in such an environment, are now resorting to conducting bilateral and multilateral meetings outside the premises. This is an indictment on our country’s global image,” the group warned.

Even more troubling, OAN said, is the reported non-payment of salaries and allowances to staff of the missions for several months.

“This is unacceptable in any civilised society, let alone for officers posted abroad to represent Nigeria and those hired from the host countries,” the statement said.

“This is a recipe for illegal activities, where employees look for illicit ways to make ends meet, or fleece their fellow Nigerian applicants for consular services.

“In the U.S., where rent and mortgages are due monthly, this is a direct assault on their dignity and livelihood. The implications of defaulting on rent or mortgage payments could lead to homelessness or legal action—a situation that should never be associated with those serving the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

OAN said it was particularly disappointed by the silence from the relevant ministries despite earlier reports and formal complaints submitted to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior. “The silence and inaction from them on this matter are deeply troubling,” the statement said.

“The Nigeria House in New York is not just another government property; it is Nigeria’s face in the international community. It hosts diplomats, world leaders, international investors, and everyday Nigerians seeking service. Its current state is not just a maintenance issue; it is a national embarrassment and a threat to Nigeria’s global standing,” the group warned.

Calling for urgent intervention, OAN urged Nigerian authorities to see this as a moment for reform. “We expect that the institutions designed to serve and represent us will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

The organisation clarified that its statement was not intended to tarnish reputations but to spotlight a critical issue demanding swift government attention.

“We have worked tirelessly to bolster the image of Nigeria and Nigerians in the United States. We will not stand by and allow our efforts on behalf of our community to be thwarted.

“Let this moment become a turning point where neglect gives way to action and where the dignity of Nigeria and its representatives abroad is protected and elevated. Let history record that this appeal moved the hand of government to act.”