The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned criminal elements who are currently circulating a fake diplomatic appointment letter, 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.
At a press briefing today in Abuja, Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa described the document as “entirely fake, misleading, and part of a larger scam designed to extort unsuspecting Nigerians.”
"This is the first time the ministry will experience such a fruadulent act by unknown individual."he said
“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.
Below is the Fake diplomatic appointment letter;
Dear ....
ATTENTION: dsspr@dss.gov.ng
Accept the compliments of His Excellency, Yusuf Tuggar, the Nigerian Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Your application has been reviewed. We are pleased to inform you that your application has been considered for Diplomatic Services at the Embassy of Nigeria, Juba, South-Sudan to take effect 12th day of May, 2025.
Consequently, I have been directed by the Board of the Nigerian Civil Service Commission through the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue you an invitation for application of your diplomatic passport in view of your resumption while the DSS undergo its final background examination.
All candidates are to present Valid National Identity Card issued by the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their Diplomatic Passport Processing.
Kindly note that, the Department of States Services has been copied via dsspr@dss.gov.ng.
Nigeria who live abroad (diasporans) must send a copy of police report from their country of residence to the DSS via dsspr@dss.gov.ng
Kindly visit https://passport.immigration.gov.ng for payment of N165,800 for your diplomatic passport or contact the Diplomatic telegram channels for assistance via @diplomaticchannelsng
Virtual interviews are at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Best Regards,
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.