Nigerians in US decry deteriorating condition of Nigeria House, staff welfare

Nigerians in the United States have called for urgent action regarding what they described as the deteriorating state of the Nigeria House in New York.

The call was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), Ms Funmi Dike, in New York.

OAN, a leading 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 worsening condition of the property.”

Tribune Online reports that the iconic skyscraper, located in the heart of Manhattan, houses both the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.

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The statement read, “This imposing structure, once a symbol of national pride and diplomatic strength, has now become a metaphor for systemic neglect and administrative irresponsibility. In recent weeks and months, the building has deteriorated to 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 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.”

According to OAN, applicants—including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and Nigerians who travel long distances across the US—are subjected to these inhumane conditions while waiting for consular services, describing the situation as not just inconvenient but dangerous.

“We must not wait until embarrassing images of the deplorable condition of Nigeria House are widely circulated on social media before taking action,” the organisation warned.

OAN stressed that the building’s decaying infrastructure—including poor maintenance, plumbing problems, unreliable elevators, stained ceilings, and outdated fixtures—reflects an embarrassing lack of foresight and priority by those responsible for the upkeep of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions.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.”

OAN added that it was equally disturbing that 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, as well as those hired locally. This is a recipe for illegal activities, where employees may seek illicit ways to make ends meet or extort fellow Nigerians seeking consular services.

“In the US, 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 lamented that 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 these bodies were deeply troubling.

“Nigeria House in New York is not just another government property—it is Nigeria’s face to 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 organisation said its call was for urgent action, accountability, and reform, noting that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, professional services, and international diplomacy.

“We expect that the institutions designed to serve and represent us will be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” the statement added. “This message is issued not in condemnation, but in deep concern—and hope.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE