The top Dutch diplomat was sacked for criticizing his government’s corrupt practices in Nigeria.

Hans Smaling, the diplomat from the Netherlands who was stationed in Nigeria between 2015 and 2018 to lobby Dutch interests within the Federal government had warned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of “endemic corruption” in Nigeria.

He said it was “impossible” to advance Dutch businesses in Nigeria without making dirty hands, NRC, a Dutch online news outlet had reported.

“Bringing in assignments in Nigeria without paying a bribe? Impossible. Do Nigerian politicians get excited about Dutch companies without gifts? Impossible. And proclaim this message in The Hague? Just as complicated, unfortunately,” he reportedly said. 

Smiling’ position which the newspaper report said was created in 2012 following the transfer of the Foreign Economic Relations Department to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs served as special envoy to promote the “competitive position of the Netherlands”

Similar envoys were stationed in several other countries where the Dutch have economic interests, countries such as Dubai, Lima, Nigeria, Singapore, Copenhagen,

As diplomats, part of their work is to provide cover for the Dutch in those countries.

Mazi Ichelle reporting, Obinwannem News