The Federal Government has declared the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles a criminal offence, as it moves to curb the growing trend of impersonation and fraudulent claims to diplomatic status.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, raised concerns over what he described as a disturbing rise in the misuse of diplomatic titles, warning that such actions expose Nigeria to reputational risks and international embarrassment.
Speaking in Abuja, Ebienfa emphasised that only Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any individual or group claiming otherwise is acting illegally.
He described as “worrisome” the activities of individuals and organisations that confer ambassadorial titles on themselves or others, often for financial gain or social recognition.
According to him, such practices have no legal basis and amount to impersonation, noting that offenders risk prosecution under the law.
Ebienfa listed common violations to include the unauthorised use of titles such as “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” the issuance of fake diplomatic passports and identity cards, and the use of counterfeit vehicle number plates bearing official insignia.
He cautioned Nigerians against accepting such titles from unofficial bodies, stressing that those who parade themselves as ambassadors without legal backing are committing a criminal offence.
The ministry also clarified that individuals appointed as brand ambassadors for commercial purposes are not entitled to use diplomatic titles, as such roles carry no official or legal status.
To enforce compliance, the government is collaborating with agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
Ebienfa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system, warning that any act capable of misrepresenting the country globally will not be tolerated.
By Michael Olugbode
