The Federal Government has banned the unauthorized use of the “Ambassador” title, stating that only individuals officially appointed by the President are legally permitted to use it.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who raised concerns over the growing number of Nigerians falsely presenting themselves as diplomats.
He noted that the trend has caused confusion within diplomatic circles, with foreign missions increasingly seeking verification of individuals claiming ambassadorial status.
Ebienfa explained that while some organisations appoint brand ambassadors for promotional purposes, many recipients wrongly adopt the title as an official designation, misleading the public.
He also revealed instances where groups allegedly sell fake ambassadorial appointments, complete with forged documents such as diplomatic passports, identity cards, and vehicle plates—claims the ministry described as false and fraudulent.
The government emphasized that only the President has the constitutional authority to appoint ambassadors, warning that anyone falsely using the title risks prosecution for impersonation and fraud.
It further cautioned against the use of fake diplomatic materials and clarified that brand ambassadors have no legal right to use “Ambassador” as a formal prefix.
Authorities disclosed that relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, are working together to identify and prosecute offenders.
The directive is part of broader efforts to regulate the misuse of official titles and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.
