Nigeria Criminalizes Unauthorized Diplomatic Title Use

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken decisive action against the unauthorized use of diplomatic titles, declaring it a criminal offense punishable by law. This move aims to protect the integrity of Nigeria's diplomatic system, as highlighted by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja.

Ebienfa raised alarms about the disturbing rise in impersonation fraud, where unscrupulous individuals confer ambassadorial titles upon themselves, misleading the public for financial gain and social influence. He emphasized that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors.

The ministry noted that common violations include the unauthorized use of titles such as ambassador and diplomat, issuance of fake diplomatic passports, and circulation of counterfeit vehicle number plates. The government has pledged to work closely with relevant security regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigeria's diplomatic services.