The Federal Government has issued a stern warning against the illegal use of diplomatic titles and the fraudulent conferment of ambassadorial designations, declaring that offenders risk prosecution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the alarm over what it described as a growing trend of individuals falsely parading themselves as “Ambassadors” and “Diplomatic Envoys” without official backing.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the development constitutes a grave violation of Nigerian laws and international diplomatic conventions.
He listed the offences to include the unauthorised adoption of diplomatic titles, issuance of fake diplomatic passports and identification cards, as well as the use of counterfeit vehicle number plates bearing the insignia of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ebienfa further decried the activities of self-acclaimed organisations and individuals who confer such titles on unsuspecting members of the public, warning that impersonation of diplomats is a criminal offence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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,” he stated, stressing that no individual, group or non-governmental organisation is empowered to grant such titles.
He also clarified that ambassadorial designations cannot be acquired through financial payments or organisational membership, drawing a distinction between official diplomatic roles and the use of “brand ambassador” in marketing contexts, which carries no legal recognition as a diplomatic title.
The Federal Government disclosed that it is working with key enforcement bodies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Vehicle Inspection Office, to identify and prosecute offenders.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system, the government warned that it would not tolerate actions capable of undermining the country’s image on the global stage.
