Nigeria is set to commence the deployment of its ambassadors to foreign missions following the receipt of more than 25 diplomatic agreements from host countries, the Federal Government has said.

Briefing journalists on current developments in the ministry and Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed that the government had made significant progress in the accreditation process required before envoys are posted abroad.

He said, “We have received more than 25 agreements from countries where ambassador-designates have been sent, and plans have been concluded for a three-day induction programme from the 27th to the 29th of this month, noting that deployment would begin immediately after the exercise.”

He explained that the agreements, known in diplomatic terms as agrément, represent formal consent from receiving countries after conducting due diligence on Nigeria’s nominees.

According to him, “Once the agrément is granted, the ministry proceeds with induction, where ambassadors and, where applicable, their spouses are exposed to the principles of diplomacy, conduct in host countries, and the expectations of the President.”

Ebienfa added that following the induction, ambassadors who have secured approval would proceed to their respective postings, although some missions may still await final clearances.

Beyond deployment updates, the ministry raised concerns over the growing trend of individuals falsely parading themselves as ambassadors, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity.

“The ministry has observed with concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and groups who illegally assume diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer such on unsuspecting members of the public,” Ebienfa stated.

He warned that only the President of Nigeria has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any other claim to such titles constitutes impersonation.

“These so-called ambassadorial titles being sold or conferred by organisations, sometimes with promises of diplomatic passports, immunity, or special privileges, are not recognised under Nigerian law or international conventions,” he said.

The spokesperson further revealed that some fraudsters issue fake diplomatic documents, including passports, identity cards, and vehicle number plates, while falsely claiming collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He disclosed that the ministry was already working with security agencies, including the police and intelligence services, to investigate and prosecute offenders, adding that cases of cloned diplomatic plates and fake passports had already been recorded.

Ebienfa also clarified the distinction between diplomatic and brand ambassadors, noting that while individuals may be appointed to promote products or organisations, they are not entitled to use the title “ambassador” in an official or diplomatic sense.

“You can be a brand ambassador for a company, but you cannot attach the title of ambassador to your name in a way that suggests diplomatic authority,” he said.

On broader diplomatic engagement, Ebienfa acknowledged funding challenges affecting the ministry’s operations but expressed confidence that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to ensure effective foreign representation.

He assured that efforts were ongoing to improve collaboration with the National Assembly and secure increased budgetary allocation, while also addressing outstanding obligations related to past international engagements.

The ministry, he said, remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s global image and ensuring that its diplomatic processes are not undermined by fraudulent practices. (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)