‘Nigeria House in deteriorating condition in US, staff owed several months’ salaries’
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in the US has condemned the ‘deteriorating’ condition of the Nigeria House in New York, calling for urgent action. In a statement issued by Ms Funmi Dike, spokesperson for the body, on Monday, in New York, OAN also lamented that staff of the Nigerian mission are owed […]
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in the US has condemned the ‘deteriorating’ condition of the Nigeria House in New York, calling for urgent action.
In a statement issued by Ms Funmi Dike, spokesperson for the body, on Monday, in New York, OAN also lamented that staff of the Nigerian mission are owed several months of salary arrears.
OAN, a foremost diaspora body committed to the welfare and progress of Nigerians in the US, said it was “compelled to draw urgent and serious attention to the deplorable and deteriorating condition of the property”.
The iconic skyscraper, located in the heart of Manhattan, houses both the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN and the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.
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“This imposing structure, once a symbol of national pride and diplomatic strength, has now become a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility,” OAN said.
“Over recent weeks and months, the building has descended into a condition unworthy of the great nation it represents.
“Foremost among the current challenges is the complete failure of the central air conditioning and ventilation system in a building that was architecturally designed without 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.”
OAN stressed that the building’s decaying infrastructure, including poor maintenance, plumbing issues, unreliable elevators, stained ceilings and outdated fixtures, reflected an embarrassing lack of foresight and priority from those responsible for the upkeep of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.
OAN said it was equally disturbing that the staff of the missions had reportedly not been paid salaries and allowances 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.
“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.”
The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, did not pick up his calls and did not respond to messages sent to his WhatsApp number when contacted over the issues raised.
Abdulkadri Alkasim, a media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, declined comment, saying the questions should be directed to the spokesperson of the ministry.