Embarrassment hit Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa on Monday after electricity was cut off at the Nigerian High Commission over outstanding utility debts.
The City of Tshwane carried out the disconnection, with its Executive Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, publicly confirming the action in a post on X.
“#TshwaneYaTima: We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They owe the city for utility services,” she wrote, sharing a photo of the commission premises.
The power cut has triggered fresh scrutiny of the state of Nigeria’s foreign missions, many of which have reportedly struggled with funding and administration challenges.
The incident also comes at a time when there is a prolonged diplomatic vacuum, as several Nigerian embassies and high commissions across the world have been operating without ambassadors since 2023.
Although new ambassadorial appointments have recently been announced, most of the nominees are yet to formally resume duties.
The development has generated public debate over the welfare, funding, and international image of Nigeria’s diplomatic representations abroad.
