By Ameh Gabriel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disassociated itself from a fraudulent diplomatic appointment letter currently in circulation, purportedly signed on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON). The letter falsely claims that recipients have been selected for diplomatic service at the Nigerian Embassy in Juba, South Sudan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry, described the document as “entirely fake, misleading, and part of a larger scam designed to extort unsuspecting Nigerians.”
“The Ministry has not issued any such offer of employment or diplomatic posting, nor has it directed anyone to pay N165,800 for a diplomatic passport. All legitimate employment processes follow due protocol in line with Nigeria’s Civil Service rules and require no upfront payments,” the statement read.
The Ministry reiterated that any communication involving employment, diplomatic postings, or issuance of diplomatic passports must be verified directly through official government channels. Furthermore, no individual or applicant is required to make payments through third-party websites or unofficial Telegram channels.
Ebienfa also warned that the Ministry is working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate the source of the scam and apprehend those responsible.
“The Honorable Minister has directed full cooperation with relevant authorities, including the DSS, to root out these criminal elements. The public is urged to report any suspicious correspondence to the Ministry or the DSS via official contact points,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry advised Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain vigilant, avoid falling victim to online fraudsters, and always confirm the authenticity of job offers or diplomatic appointments with the Ministry through verified contact lines.
For official information and inquiries, contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja, Nigeria
Email: info@foreignaffairs.gov.ng
