FG Bans Unauthorized Use of ‘Ambassador’ Title

FG Bans Unauthorized Use of ‘Ambassador’ Title

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to halt the growing misuse of the “Ambassador” title in Nigeria, declaring that only individuals formally appointed and accredited by the President are legally recognised to bear the designation.

The warning was issued on Friday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at a press briefing where he expressed concern over what he described as increasing confusion caused by persons parading themselves as ambassadors without official authorisation.

Ebienfa said the ministry had continued to receive enquiries from foreign diplomatic missions seeking to verify the status of Nigerians claiming ambassadorial credentials, a development he said was straining official communication channels.

“The Ministry has been receiving inquiries from diplomatic missions asking us to verify the status of Nigerians parading themselves as ambassadors,” he said, noting that the trend is being fuelled by various organisations that unlawfully confer such titles.

According to him, while some groups and private establishments legitimately appoint individuals as brand ambassadors for promotional purposes, many recipients of such designations wrongly elevate the role into a formal diplomatic identity.

“All these categories of persons, more often than not, add the prefix ‘Ambassador’ to their names, and that is causing serious confusion,” he said.

He further revealed that some Nigerians had fallen victim to schemes run by groups offering so-called ambassadorial appointments in exchange for payments running into millions of naira, with promises of diplomatic privileges such as visa facilitation, airport protocol services, access to international meetings, and diplomatic identity materials.

Ebienfa described such claims as fraudulent, noting that the purported packages allegedly include appointment letters, diplomatic passports, vehicle number plates and identity cards, all falsely linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The package includes an appointment letter, diplomatic passport, vehicle number plates and identity card. This is completely false and misleading,” he said.

The ministry stressed that such practices amount to impersonation and fraud, warning that offenders would face prosecution under relevant laws.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is only the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has the prerogative to appoint and accredit ambassadors,” Ebienfa stated.

He added that no individual, organisation, foundation or private institution has the legal authority to confer diplomatic titles, stressing that ambassadorial status cannot be purchased or obtained through membership subscriptions.

The Federal Government also cautioned against the use of fake diplomatic materials, including passports, identity cards and vehicle registration plates bearing national insignia, describing them as criminal instruments of deception.

While clarifying that brand ambassador roles remain valid in marketing and advocacy contexts, Ebienfa maintained that such titles carry no diplomatic or legal standing and must not be adopted as formal prefixes.

“Brand ambassadors have no legal right to add the title ‘Ambassador’ to their names. That designation is not recognised by our laws in that context,” he said.

He disclosed that the ministry is working with security and enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to track, investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the fraudulent use of diplomatic titles and materials.

The move, he noted, aligns with broader federal efforts to sanitise the use of official titles, coming shortly after government cautions against the indiscriminate use of honorary doctorate designations as formal prefixes in public and official engagements.

On Nigeria’s foreign missions, Ebienfa acknowledged that funding constraints have affected operations but said engagements were ongoing to improve allocations.

“If I say we have it all perfect in terms of finance, I will be doing a disservice,” he said, adding that both headquarters and missions abroad continue to face operational challenges.

He, however, expressed optimism that the administration would ensure adequate funding for diplomatic operations, particularly for newly appointed ambassadors.

“We are confident that Mr. President will not appoint ambassadors that will go abroad and be stranded,” he added.

He also confirmed that some outstanding expenses related to Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 United Nations General Assembly are yet to be settled, but assured that discussions are ongoing to resolve them.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service, warning that any action capable of undermining the country’s international reputation would attract appropriate legal consequences.