The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against falsely presenting themselves as ambassadors, stressing that such actions amount to impersonation and could lead to prosecution.
The caution comes as Nigeria moves closer to deploying a new set of envoys to foreign missions, following progress in securing diplomatic clearances from host countries.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, revealed that more than 25 countries have granted approval for Nigeria’s ambassador-designates.
He explained that these approvals known in diplomatic terms as agreement are a prerequisite for deployment, as receiving countries must formally accept nominees before they can assume duty.
Ebienfa further disclosed that the ministry has finalized arrangements for a three-day induction programme scheduled for April 27 to 29, after which the newly appointed ambassadors will be deployed.
According to him, the programme will familiarise the envoys, and in some cases their spouses, with diplomatic protocols, expected conduct in host nations, and the policy priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that deployment would commence immediately after the induction exercise.
Meanwhile, the ministry expressed concern over a growing trend of individuals and organisations allegedly selling fake ambassadorial titles to unsuspecting Nigerians.
Ebienfa warned that some groups are offering fraudulent appointments in exchange for large sums of money, often promising benefits such as diplomatic passports, preferential airport treatment, and immunity abroad.
He emphasised that only the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, noting that any contrary claim is illegal and punishable under the law.
