The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria has issued a strong warning about a fraudulent recruitment message circulating online, which falsely claims to offer employment in Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
The ministry issues the warning in an official statement.
It described the message as fake and misleading, – part of a scheme by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.
“The communication is fake, misleading, and the handiwork of unscrupulous elements seeking to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”
According to the Ministry, the scam message informs recipients that they have been shortlisted for diplomatic appointments.
It also asks them to pay for processing a so-called “credence note.”
The Ministry firmly denied any involvement, emphasizing that Nigerian missions abroad are not currently recruiting.
It also clarified that recruitment into the diplomatic service is never conducted through email, WhatsApp, or unsolicited messages.
“No fees are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings within the Ministry or Nigeria’s Missions abroad.”
The Ministry explained that legitimate recruitment into the foreign service is handled by the Federal Civil Service Commission.
It further warned that references to security clearance by the Department of State Services is a deceptive tactic to make the scam appear credible.
Advice to ignore
It urged Nigerians to ignore such messages and avoid making payments to individuals or groups claiming to facilitate diplomatic appointments.
The Ministry advised anyone who receives such communications or falls victim to the scam to report immediately to the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services for investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Ministry encouraged Nigerians to verify information through its official communication channels.
