•Calls for urgent action by government
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), a foremost diaspora body committed to the welfare and progress of Nigerians in the United States, has called for an urgent action by the Federal Government on deteriorating state of Nigeria House and its staff welfare.
The OAN made the call in a statement on Monday by its General Secretary and Spokesperson , Funmi Dike.
The organization noted with regrets that the imposing structure, once a symbol of national pride and diplomatic strength, has now become a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility.
It added that in recent weeks and months, the building has descended into a condition unworthy of the great nation it represents.
The statement reads, “The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), a foremost diaspora body committed to the welfare and progress of Nigerians in the United States, is compelled to draw urgent and serious attention to the deplorable and deteriorating condition of the Nigeria House, New York, an iconic skyscraper located in the heart of Manhattan that houses both the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Nigeria.
“This imposing structure, once a symbol of national pride and diplomatic strength, has now become a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility. 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, Embassy and Consulate staff are forced to work in suffocating, oven-like conditions, relying on hand-held fans strapped to their bodies. “Applicants, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and Nigerians traveling from far distances across the U.S., are subjected to these inhumane conditions as they wait for consular services. This is not just inconvenient; it is dangerous.
‘Moreover, the building’s decaying infrastructure, including poor maintenance, plumbing issues, unreliable elevators, stained ceilings, and outdated fixtures, reflects an embarrassing lack of foresight and priority from those responsible for the upkeep of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions. “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.
“It is equally disturbing that staff of the Consulate and the Permanent Mission have reportedly not been paid salaries and allowances for several months.
“This is unacceptable in any civilized society, let alone for officers posted abroad to represent Nigeria.
“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.
“Despite previous official complaints and letters submitted to relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, the silence and inaction from the Nigerian Government on this matter are deeply troubling.
“The Nigeria House in New York is not just another government property, it is Nigeria’s face in the international community. “
[…] Source […]