FG Disowns Fake Recruitment Message Into Nigerian Diplomatic Service

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disassociated itself from a fraudulent message currently in circulation online purporting to offer employment into the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, allegedly under the Consular Section of Nigerian Embassies abroad.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affair, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the said message falsely claims that applicants have been shortlisted for diplomatic appointments and directs recipients to make payments for the processing of a “credence note”.

“‘The ministry wishes to state unequivocally that the communication is fake, misleading, and the handiwork of unscrupulous elements seeking to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement said.

The ministry further notified the general public that Nigerian Missions abroad are not recruiting. It also said it does not conduct recruitment exercises through email correspondence, WhatsApp messages, or direct unsolicited contact.

The ministry again noted that no fees are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings within the ministry or Nigeria’s missions abroad.

It said that legitimate recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is conducted through official government channels, by the Federal Civil Service Commission.

“The ministry does not authorize any individual or entity to request payments on its behalf for employment or diplomatic appointments.

“The inclusion of a reference to DSS clearance, and attribution to the Ministry’s Spokesperson in the fraudulent message is a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.

“Members of the public are therefore by this notice strongly advised to disregard such messages in their entirety,” the statement added.

The ministry also advised anyone who has received similar communications or has been approached for payment under this guise to report immediately to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.

“The ministry remains committed to transparency, integrity, and the protection of citizens from fraudulent schemes. Further enquiries or verification should be directed to the Ministry through its official communication channels,” the statement added.