The Federal Government has warned Nigerians to beware of fake diplomatic recruitment schemes and fraudulent ambassadorial offers circulating online and offline. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said criminal groups are using fake diplomatic titles, recruitment letters and promises of jobs in foreign missions to defraud and exploit unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government raised alarm over individuals and organisations falsely parading themselves as ambassadors or diplomatic envoys. He explained that these groups issue bogus appointment letters, demand large fees for supposed diplomatic postings and sometimes provide fake diplomatic passports, identity cards and vehicle number plates.
The ministry stressed that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional power to appoint and accredit ambassadors. It added that no private organisation, association or individual is allowed to confer diplomatic or ambassadorial titles on anyone, and such positions cannot be bought or obtained through membership of any group.
While noting that the government is not against the use of brand ambassadors in business and entertainment, the ministry clarified that brand ambassadors have no legal right to add the title “Ambassador” to their names in a diplomatic sense. It said this misuse of titles misleads the public and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s foreign service.
The government also drew attention to fraudulent schemes on social media and messaging platforms where Nigerians are promised diplomatic jobs or postings abroad in exchange for money. Victims are often told they will receive diplomatic passports, immunity and high salaries, only to discover later that the documents and promises are fake.
According to the ministry, such activities amount to criminal impersonation, identity fraud and forgery under Nigerian law. It said it is working with security agencies, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other authorities to track, arrest and prosecute individuals and groups involved in these scams.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to be vigilant and to verify any supposed diplomatic or ambassadorial offer directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before making payments or submitting personal documents. It encouraged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment adverts, unsolicited offers or persons claiming diplomatic status without clear government backing.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the image and credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and warned that anyone found abusing diplomatic symbols, titles or documents will face the full weight of the law.
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