The Federal Government has warned that people falsely claiming ambassadorial titles risk prosecution. It said the illegal use of diplomatic titles amounts to impersonation and harms Nigeria’s diplomatic image.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said it has observed a rise in the activities of individuals and groups illegally adopting diplomatic titles. Some also confer such titles on unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the ministry, such titles are not recognised under Nigerian law or relevant international conventions.
The illegal acts include the unauthorised use of titles such as “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy.” The ministry also cited the use of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, vehicle number plates and other documents bearing Nigerian insignia.
Some of those using the fake titles have gone further to use them in official communications. Some have also approached foreign embassies in Nigeria with such claims.
The ministry said this has caused serious embarrassment to the Federal Government.
The ministry warned that anyone parading himself or herself as an ambassador without lawful appointment is committing a criminal offence. It urged all those involved in the illegal practice to stop immediately.
Only the President and Commander-in-Chief has the power to appoint and accredit ambassadors for Nigeria, according to the ministry. It added that no individual, group or non-governmental body has the authority to confer diplomatic or ambassadorial titles.
Ambassadorial titles cannot be obtained through payment, donation or membership of private organisations, the ministry said.
It, however, clarified that it is not against the use of “brand ambassador” as a recognition term. Such recognition does not give anyone the legal right to add “Ambassador” to their names.
The ministry said it is working with relevant agencies to curb the practice. These include the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the VIO and other stakeholders. Anyone involved in the illegal conferment of ambassadorial titles or fake diplomatic vehicle plate numbers will be prosecuted, it said.
The Federation Governmenr said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service. It added that it will not tolerate any form of misrepresentation that brings the country into disrepute.
