Bolaji Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Foreign Service as Diplomats Face Suspicion and Harsh Working Conditions ForeignServiceReform
Story: written by Uzuh Rita December 5,2025
Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, the outgoing Director of Reforms and Renovations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has raised alarm over the harsh realities confronting Nigerian diplomats, saying they work under intense scrutiny, security risks and poor welfare conditions that do not reflect the weight of their responsibilities.
Speaking in Abuja during the celebration of his 60th birthday, his retirement ceremony and the unveiling of his new book, The 7-Star Diplomat, Bolaji described diplomacy as a profession widely undervalued despite the critical role it plays in national security and global representation.
According to him, Nigerian diplomats endure low salaries, challenging work environments and constant suspicion in their host countries, even as they stand on the frontlines of safeguarding the nation’s interests abroad. He urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently prioritise reforms in the foreign service, stressing that the well-being of diplomats is directly tied to Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Reflecting on his 35 years in service, Bolaji explained that his book documents both personal experiences and practical guidance for emerging diplomats, emphasizing the discipline, character and sacrifices demanded in the foreign service.
He noted that, although military officers often receive better pay and public recognition, diplomats face different but equally dangerous threats—ones that guns and weapons cannot address. “People see the official cars and flags and assume diplomats enjoy luxury, but the reality is very different. Many operate under tough conditions with inadequate remuneration,” he said.
Bolaji also warned that the foreign service is central to national security, pointing out that an improperly issued visa can cause greater harm than many battlefield threats. He urged the government to strengthen the system, noting that diplomacy plays a crucial role in preventing risks before they escalate.
Former Ambassador to the Scandinavian nations, Godknows Igali, praised Bolaji as a model of excellence—patriotic, refined and multidimensional. He described The 7-Star Diplomat as a rich documentation of Nigeria’s diplomatic journey and a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers and foreign service officers.
Chairman of the event, Kolawole Agbaje, also applauded Bolaji’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s image, saying his career provides a powerful example for young diplomats and public servants, proving that integrity, resilience and patriotism remain vital to nation-building.
