The Federal Government has issued a strong warning against the illegal use and fraudulent conferment of diplomatic titles, particularly the designation “Ambassador,” describing the trend as criminal and a threat to Nigeria’s international image.
In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kiemebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the government had observed with “grave concern” the growing activities of individuals and groups falsely presenting themselves as ambassadors without lawful authority.
According to the Ministry, such acts include the unauthorized use of diplomatic titles like “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” the fraudulent conferment of these titles by self-styled organisations and foundations, as well as the circulation of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, and vehicle number plates bearing Nigerian insignia.
Ebienfa stressed that ambassadorial titles are strictly regulated under Nigerian law and international conventions, and can only be granted through due process by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is only the President and Commander-in-Chief who has the prerogative to appoint and accredit ambassadors,” he said, warning that any individual or organisation conferring such titles outside this framework is acting illegally.
The Ministry further cautioned that individuals parading themselves as ambassadors based on such fraudulent claims are guilty of impersonation, a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
While acknowledging the existence of “brand ambassadors” in the private sector, the government clarified that such roles do not carry any legal or diplomatic status and do not entitle holders to adopt the title “Ambassador” in official or public engagements.
The statement added that the government is collaborating with key agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to identify and prosecute offenders. Other stakeholders have also been engaged to curb the issuance and use of fake diplomatic vehicle plate numbers and related materials.
“The Federal Government remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and will not tolerate any form of misrepresentation that brings the nation to disrepute,” the statement read.
The warning comes amid increasing reports of individuals exploiting diplomatic titles for personal gain, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to restore order and credibility in Nigeria’s foreign service system.