FG Alerts Nigerians Over Fake Diplomatic Job Offers

The Federal Government has issued a public warning to Nigerians over a fraudulent recruitment message circulating online, describing it as a deliberate scam aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals and extorting money.

According to Ireporter Online, the alert was conveyed in a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. The ministry clarified that the viral message falsely advertises job opportunities within the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, particularly in consular sections of embassies abroad.

The statement further revealed that the misleading message claims certain candidates have already been shortlisted and directs recipients to pay fees for the processing of a so-called “credence note.” Authorities dismissed this as entirely false, stressing that it forms part of a coordinated attempt by fraudsters to exploit members of the public.

Officials emphasised that there is currently no recruitment exercise into Nigeria’s foreign missions. Nigerians were strongly advised to disregard such communications, as they do not originate from any authorised government agency.

The ministry reiterated that all legitimate recruitment into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Foreign Service is conducted strictly through official procedures managed by the Federal Civil Service Commission. It added that the government does not carry out hiring through emails, WhatsApp messages, or unsolicited contact.

The statement underscored that no payments are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings, warning that any request for money in that regard is fraudulent. It also noted that references to security clearance and the use of the spokesperson’s name in the fake message were intentional tactics designed to mislead the public.