Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a disclaimer distancing itself from a fraudulent recruitment message currently circulating online, which falsely claims to offer employment opportunities within Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service.
In a press statement released by the spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry described the message as fake and misleading, noting that it falsely informs recipients that they have been shortlisted for diplomatic appointments, particularly under the consular sections of Nigerian embassies abroad.
The scam also directs unsuspecting individuals to make payments for the processing of a so-called “credence note.”
According to the Ministry, the message is the handiwork of unscrupulous elements seeking to defraud members of the public. It emphasised that Nigerian missions abroad are not conducting any form of recruitment exercise.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not conduct recruitment exercises through email correspondence, WhatsApp messages, or direct unsolicited contact. No fees are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings within the Ministry or Nigeria’s Missions abroad.
“Legitimate recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is conducted through official government channels, by the Federal Civil Service Commission.” It read
The Ministry stated that it does not authorise any individual or organisation to request payments on its behalf for employment or diplomatic appointments.
Addressing specific claims in the fraudulent message, the Ministry noted that references to Department of State Services (DSS) clearance and the attribution of the message to its spokesperson were deliberate attempts to deceive the public.
The Ministry urged citizens to disregard such communications entirely and warned against engaging with individuals or platforms promoting the fake recruitment scheme.
“The Ministry urges anyone who has received similar communications or has been approached for payment under this guise to report immediately to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.” It stated
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and public protection, the Ministry advised that all enquiries or verification regarding its activities should be directed through its official communication channels.
