The Federal Government has declared the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles a criminal offence, in a move aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised concerns over a growing trend of impersonation and fraudulent conferment of diplomatic ranks, warning that such practices pose reputational risks and expose the country to international embarrassment.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, emphasised that only the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors. He stressed that any individual or organisation claiming otherwise is acting outside the law.
Ebienfa described as “worrisome” the activities of individuals and groups who either assume ambassadorial titles or confer them on others, often for financial gain or social influence. He noted that such actions have no legal backing under Nigerian law or recognised international diplomatic conventions.
“The Ministry has observed with grave concern the increasing trend of individuals usurping diplomatic titles and fraudulently presenting themselves as ambassadors. These actions are illegal and undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s foreign representation,” he said.
According to him, common violations include the unauthorised use of titles such as “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” the issuance of fake diplomatic passports and identification documents, as well as the circulation of counterfeit vehicle number plates bearing official insignia.
He cautioned Nigerians against accepting such titles from unofficial sources, warning that individuals who parade themselves as ambassadors based on such conferments are liable to prosecution.
The ministry also clarified that appointments as brand ambassadors for commercial or promotional purposes do not confer diplomatic status or legal recognition.
“Brand ambassadors remain representatives of products or services and are not entitled to adopt or prefix the title ‘Ambassador’ in a diplomatic context,” Ebienfa stated.
To enforce compliance, the Federal Government said it is collaborating with relevant security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to identify, apprehend and prosecute offenders. The clampdown will also target the production and use of fake diplomatic documents and unauthorised number plates.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Ebienfa said authorities would not tolerate any actions capable of misrepresenting Nigeria on the global stage.
“The Federal Government will continue to take firm action against individuals or groups whose conduct brings the country into disrepute. The integrity of our diplomatic system is non-negotiable,” he added.
