Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nominated by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, shared her experiences as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain during her Senate screening.
She highlighted the difficulties she encountered, including spending a year in a hotel due to the poor condition of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed her concern that the dilapidated embassy did not portray a positive image of Nigeria abroad.
To address the issues, she initiated a substantial refurbishment project to improve both the embassy and the ambassador’s residence. “My record speaks for itself,” she stated, recalling her year-long hotel stay because the mission’s facilities were in dire condition.
She noted the embarrassment of the embassy’s state, particularly given its prime location near the upscale Galagao estate, where many passersby attended events. “It was disheartening that such a decrepit structure represented Nigeria in a prestigious area,” she remarked.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that she took prompt action to rectify the problems, organizing significant repairs to not only the embassy but also other Nigerian properties in Spain. “The Nigerian embassy in Madrid you see today is a result of my efforts during my time there,” she said, aiming to restore Nigeria’s image to one deserving of respect.
She also pointed out the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian embassies globally due to inadequate funding, which hampers ambassadors’ ability to maintain properties. “Many missions struggle with limited funds, preventing them from showcasing Nigeria’s stature, which affects the country’s global standing,” she noted.
“It is unfortunate that many embassies are in this situation, significantly diminishing our international reputation,” she continued. Emphasizing the need for respectable diplomatic representations, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the Nigerian government to prioritize embassy maintenance.
She highlighted the importance of embassies in promoting democracy, development, and the Nigerian diaspora as critical areas needing dignified facilities. “This is something that the government should seriously consider,” she insisted, pointing out that embassies often host international delegations and exchanges, requiring proper environments.
“It’s imperative to meet in settings that reflect Nigeria’s true standing,” she concluded, calling for urgent intervention. After her responses, she was invited to take a bow and leave. Bianca is among seven ministerial nominees currently undergoing screening in the Red Chamber.
