The warning comes as Nigeria prepares to deploy a brand new set of ambassadors to overseas missions following progress in diplomatic clearances from host nations.
Talking at a press briefing with journalists on Friday in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry of International Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, mentioned greater than 25 nations have authorized Nigeria’s ambassador-designates.
He defined that the approvals, recognized in diplomatic apply as agrément, are required earlier than envoys could be posted, as host nations should first assess and settle for nominees.
Ebienfa disclosed that the ministry has concluded plans for a three-day induction programme scheduled for April 27 to 29, after which deployment will start.
“We’ve obtained greater than 25 agreements from nations the place ambassador designates have been despatched, and plans have been concluded for a three-day induction programme. Deployment will start instantly after the train,” Ebienfa mentioned.
He added that the induction will expose ambassadors and, the place relevant, their spouses to diplomatic ideas, anticipated conduct in host nations, and the priorities of the President.
Whereas giving the replace, the ministry raised concern over what it described as a disturbing rise within the unlawful use of ambassadorial titles by people and {groups}.
Ebienfa mentioned some organisations are providing pretend ambassadorial appointments to Nigerians in trade for big sums of cash, with guarantees of diplomatic privileges comparable to passports, particular airport remedy, and immunity overseas.
He confused that solely the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has the authority to nominate and accredit ambassadors, warning that every other declare quantities to impersonation.
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In response to him, a few of these concerned go so far as presenting themselves to overseas missions and worldwide organisations as official representatives of Nigeria, creating embarrassment for the nation.
He mentioned, “Ambassadorial titles aren’t conferred with the cost of cash or subscription to membership in non-governmental organisations.”
The spokesperson revealed that instances of faux diplomatic passports, id playing cards, and cloned diplomatic car quantity plates have already been recorded.
He added that the ministry is working with safety businesses, together with the Nigerian Immigration Service, police, and intelligence our bodies, to research and prosecute offenders.
Ebienfa additionally clarified that whereas people could function model ambassadors for firms or organisations, such roles don’t grant them the authorized proper to make use of the title “Ambassador” in an official capability.
“You could be a model ambassador for a corporation, however you can not connect the title of ambassador to your identify in a method that means diplomatic authority,” he mentioned.
On broader diplomatic engagement, he acknowledged funding challenges affecting the ministry’s operations however expressed confidence that the Federal Authorities would supply the mandatory assist for efficient overseas illustration.
He mentioned efforts are ongoing to enhance collaboration with the Nationwide Meeting and deal with excellent obligations associated to previous worldwide engagements.
The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to defending Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity, warning that any act able to bringing the nation into disrepute won’t be tolerated.