The Federal Government has cracked down on the growing trend of Nigerians illegally parading themselves as “Ambassadors,” declaring that only individuals formally appointed by the President can legally use the title.
The directive was announced on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a press briefing in Abuja.
Ebienfa expressed concern over the increasing number of people falsely claiming ambassadorial status, which has caused confusion among foreign diplomatic missions.
“The Ministry has been receiving inquiries from diplomatic missions asking us to verify the status of Nigerians parading themselves as ambassadors,” he said.
He explained that the misuse is largely driven by certain organisations and individuals who arbitrarily confer the title, often charging millions of naira for fake appointments that promise diplomatic passports, special vehicle plates, identity cards, and protocol services.
“This is completely false and misleading,” Ebienfa stated, warning that such practices amount to impersonation and fraud.
He emphasised that under Nigerian law, only the President and Commander-in-Chief has the exclusive right to appoint and accredit ambassadors.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is only the President… who has the prerogative to appoint and accredit ambassadors. No individual, group or non-governmental organisation is authorised to confer diplomatic titles.”
The ministry also clarified that while brand ambassadors for companies or causes are acceptable in marketing and advocacy, they have no legal right to prefix “Ambassador” to their names in official or public contexts.
The government said it is collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Road Safety Corps to identify and prosecute offenders using fake diplomatic materials.
This latest measure forms part of a wider government effort to restore dignity to official titles. Similar warnings have previously been issued against the indiscriminate use of unearned honorary doctorates.
The Ministry assured that newly appointed genuine ambassadors will be adequately supported, despite current funding challenges facing Nigerian missions abroad.
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