Federal Government Fumes Over Illegal Use Of ‘Ambassador’ Title, Warns Culprits To Desist

The Federal Government has moved to curb the growing misuse of diplomatic titles, declaring the use of the designation “Ambassador” by unauthorised persons and groups as illegal.

The Federal Government consequently warned of strict legal consequences for offenders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made the position known on Friday in a press release, raising concerns over what it described as the rising abuse and fraudulent conferment of diplomatic titles by individuals and groups lacking constitutional authority to do so.

Ebienfa emphasised that only the President of Nigeria has the legal mandate to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any such title assumed outside that process is not recognised under Nigerian law or international diplomatic conventions.

The spokesperson cautioned Nigerians against accepting or using such titles, noting that presenting oneself as an Ambassador without proper appointment amounts to impersonation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with grave concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups who illegally usurp diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer the same, specifically the title of ‘Ambassador,’ upon themselves or unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.

He listed the offences to include the unauthorised use of diplomatic titles such as “Ambassador” or “Diplomatic Envoy,” the fraudulent conferment of such titles by self-styled organisations and individuals, as well as the use of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, vehicle number plates, and documents bearing the insignia of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Ministry issued a stern warning to individuals already parading themselves with such titles, stating that the act constitutes a criminal offence and must cease immediately.

“The Ministry warns that individuals parading themselves as ‘Ambassadors’ based on such deceitful conferment are engaging in impersonation, which is a criminal offence, and therefore strongly cautions all persons involved to desist forthwith,” Ebienfa added.

Reiterating the legal position, the spokesperson said the prerogative to confer ambassadorial titles rests solely with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noting that no individual, group, or non-governmental entity is authorised to bestow such recognition.

He further clarified that ambassadorial titles cannot be obtained through payment or membership of any organisation.

The Ministry also addressed the growing trend among brand promoters who adopt the “Ambassador” prefix, describing the practice as misleading and not legally recognised.

While acknowledging the role of brand ambassadors in marketing and public engagement, Ebienfa stressed that such recognition does not confer diplomatic status or entitle individuals to adopt the title formally.

He disclosed that enforcement measures are already underway, with the Ministry collaborating with agencies including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps to clamp down on offenders.

According to him, the move was part of broader efforts to restore credibility and order to Nigeria’s diplomatic system, with authorities set to pursue violators and dismantle networks involved in the illegal conferment of diplomatic titles.