FG warns against fake ambassadorial titles, diplomatic impersonation
The federal government has warned individuals and groups against the illegal use of diplomatic titles and the fraudulent conferment of ambassadorial designations, describing the trend as a criminal offence capable of damaging Nigeria’s international reputation.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday, the government expressed concern over what it called the “increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups” who illegally assume diplomatic titles, especially that of “Ambassador,” or confer such titles on unsuspecting members of the public.
The Ministry stressed that such titles “are not recognised under Nigerian laws or relevant international conventions.”
It further listed the offences to include the unauthorized use of titles such as “Ambassador,” “Diplomatic Envoy,” and other diplomatic nomenclatures by persons who have not been duly appointed or accredited by the Federal Government.
According to the statement, some offenders also use fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, vehicle number plates, and forged documents bearing Nigeria’s insignia, while others parade themselves as ambassadors in official communications and even during engagements with foreign embassies in Nigeria.
The Ministry said the development has “caused serious embarrassment to the Federal Government.”
Warning those involved, the Ministry declared that persons presenting themselves as ambassadors based on fraudulent conferment are engaging in impersonation, “which is a criminal offence,” and ordered them to desist immediately.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the Ministry stated, “it is only the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has the prerogative to appoint and accredit Ambassadors.”
