The Federal Government has vowed to clamp down on Nigerians parading themselves as ambassadors without presidential approval, warning that offenders will face full prosecution for impersonation and related crimes.

The spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the ministry has uncovered a disturbing rise in individuals and groups selling bogus ambassadorial titles and promising unsuspecting citizens access to diplomatic privileges they are not entitled to.

According to him, these schemes often lure victims with offers of so-called diplomatic passports, special airport clearance, immunity abroad, and access to high-level international events. Some impostors have reportedly gone as far as introducing themselves to foreign governments and international organisations as official representatives of Nigeria.

Ebienfa described the practice as illegal, fraudulent, and deeply damaging to Nigeria’s reputation, stressing that ambassadorial rank is not a commodity and cannot be bought, negotiated, or conferred by private organisations.

He reiterated that, under Nigerian law and diplomatic convention, only the President, as Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional authority to appoint ambassadors and high commissioners. Any other claim to the title, he said, amounts to a criminal act.

The ministry confirmed that security agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the police, are already tracking networks behind fake diplomatic passports, forged identity cards, and cloned diplomatic vehicle number plates. Those found culpable will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

Ebienfa also drew a clear line between legitimate commercial endorsements and official diplomatic status. While companies may appoint brand ambassadors for marketing purposes, such roles do not confer any diplomatic standing or the legal right to use the title in a manner that suggests state authority.

He warned Nigerians to be wary of organisations or individuals offering “ambassador” titles in exchange for fees, donations, or membership, urging the public to report such approaches to law enforcement and the ministry.

The warning comes as Nigeria prepares to deploy a new cadre of ambassadors, following the receipt of agrément from more than 25 host countries and the conclusion of an induction programme for the envoy-designates. The ministry said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and will not tolerate any act capable of bringing the country into disrepute.