The Nigerian Government has intensified its warning against the illegal use of diplomatic and ambassadorial titles, raising alarm over a growing wave of impersonation and fraudulent schemes that are tarnishing Nigeria’s international image.
At a press briefing, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa expressed grave concern about individuals and unauthorised groups falsely parading themselves as “Ambassadors” or “Diplomatic Envoys.”
He revealed that the Ministry has received multiple inquiries from foreign diplomatic missions seeking to verify the status of Nigerians claiming such titles, describing the trend as both embarrassing and damaging to the country’s credibility.
According to him, only the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors.
Mr. Ebienfa stressed that no private organisation, institution, or individual is permitted to confer diplomatic titles, and that such positions cannot be obtained through payment or membership of any group.
“Whereas the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not against the nomination and appointment of qualified Nigerians in all spheres of life as Brand Ambassadors which is a form of recognition or aimed at advertising a product or service. However, it is important to make the clarification that brand ambassadors have no legal right to add the title of Ambassador to their names because that is not recognised by our laws.” he said.
He identified several illegal practices associated with the trend, including the unauthorised use of diplomatic titles, the conferment of such titles by self-styled organisations, and the circulation of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, and vehicle plate numbers bearing Nigeria’s insignia.
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Fraudulent Ambassadorial Appointments
The Spokesperson also drew attention to fraudulent schemes circulating on social media, where unsuspecting Nigerians are lured with promises of ambassadorial appointments in exchange for large sums of money.
He warned that such acts amount to criminal impersonation and are punishable under the law.
“The Ministry is working with relevant security agencies, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, VIO and other stakeholders to ensure that any individual or group found engaging in the usurpation or fraudulent conferment of Ambassadorial titles, and issuance of fake and unauthorized Diplomatic Vehicle Plate Numbers are prosecuted in line with the law” he stated
On ambassadorial appointments, the Spokesperson disclosed that more than 25 countries have granted agreement to Nigeria’s ambassador-designates.
He added that a three-day induction programme for the appointees and their spouses is scheduled to hold from April 27 to 29, after which those cleared by host countries will proceed to their respective missions.
Reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service, he urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.