The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians to disregard fraudulent messages circulating online that claim to offer recruitment into the country’s diplomatic service.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria described the messages as deceptive schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the ministry, the fake communication falsely claims to offer employment opportunities within the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, particularly under the consular sections of Nigerian embassies abroad. It further alleges that some applicants have been shortlisted and instructed to pay fees for processing a so-called “credence note.”
Authorities stressed that the message is entirely fraudulent and the work of scammers attempting to extort money. The ministry clarified that Nigerian missions abroad are not currently recruiting and emphasized that legitimate recruitment processes are never conducted through emails, WhatsApp messages, or unsolicited contacts.
The government reiterated that all official hiring into the foreign service is handled strictly through the Federal Civil Service Commission Nigeria.
“The communication is fake, misleading, and the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals seeking to defraud the public,” the statement read. “No fees are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings within the ministry or Nigeria’s missions abroad.”
The ministry also accused fraudsters of attempting to lend credibility to the scam by referencing security clearance procedures and falsely attributing the message to its spokesperson.
It urged Nigerians to ignore such messages and report any individuals demanding payment for diplomatic appointments or job placements to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and public protection, the ministry advised citizens to verify information only through its official communication channels.
