Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The Federal Government has criminalised the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles, intensifying efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.
The move follows growing concerns over the rising cases of impersonation and fraudulent conferment of diplomatic ranks, which authorities say have exposed the country to reputational damage on the global stage.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, warning that only Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors.
Ebienfa described as alarming the activities of individuals and groups who either assume ambassadorial titles or confer them on unsuspecting members of the public for financial or social advantage, stressing that such actions are illegal.
He said the misuse of titles such as “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” along with the issuance of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, and counterfeit number plates bearing official insignia, constitutes outright impersonation.
According to him, these practices have no basis in Nigerian law or recognised international diplomatic conventions and undermine the credibility of the country’s foreign representation.
The ministry cautioned Nigerians against accepting or using such titles from unofficial sources, noting that anyone who parades themselves as an ambassador without proper authorisation risks prosecution.
It further clarified that individuals appointed as brand ambassadors for commercial or promotional purposes do not possess any diplomatic status and are not entitled to use the title in an official capacity.
To enforce compliance, the ministry said it is collaborating with key agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
The crackdown will also target the production and circulation of fake diplomatic documents and unauthorised vehicle number plates.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Ebienfa stressed that preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic service remains a priority, warning that any act capable of misrepresenting the country internationally will be met with firm action.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the nation’s image and ensuring that its diplomatic processes are not undermined by fraudulent activities.
