ABUJA, May 2, 2026 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm disclaimer distancing itself from a circulating diplomatic scam that falsely claims to offer employment into Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service, warning the public against falling victim to fraudsters exploiting job seekers.
In a press release signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government described the widely shared message as “fake, misleading, and the handiwork of unscrupulous elements” attempting to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of diplomatic recruitment.
The diplomatic scam message allegedly informs recipients that they have been shortlisted for appointments within the Consular Section of Nigerian embassies abroad and instructs them to pay fees for processing a so-called “credence note.” The Ministry categorically denied any such exercise, emphasizing that no recruitment is currently ongoing across Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Clarifying its position, the Ministry stressed that Nigerian missions abroad are not recruiting and that legitimate entry into the Foreign Service does not occur through emails, WhatsApp messages, or unsolicited contact. It further underscored that no payments are required at any stage of official recruitment or diplomatic postings, warning that any demand for money is a clear indicator of a diplomatic scam.
The statement reaffirmed that all valid recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is conducted strictly through official government procedures managed by the Federal Civil Service Commission. It also dismissed claims within the fraudulent message referencing Department of State Services (DSS) clearance and attributing credibility to the Ministry’s spokesperson, describing such tactics as deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
Adopting a cautionary tone, the Ministry urged Nigerians to disregard the diplomatic scam entirely and avoid engaging with individuals or entities requesting payments for diplomatic appointments. It called on victims or recipients of such messages to promptly report the matter to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and integrity, assuring citizens that it does not authorize any third party to act on its behalf in recruitment matters. It encouraged the public to verify information through official communication channels before taking any action.
This latest warning highlights growing concerns over sophisticated online fraud schemes targeting job seekers, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb the spread of diplomatic scam operations exploiting government institutions.
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