Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry Alerts Public to Fake Diplomatic Job Scam

The ministry issued a stark warning after a wave of online messages claimed applicants had been shortlisted for diplomatic positions and were required to pay for a “credence note.” The messages, which circulated via email and WhatsApp, falsely referenced security clearance procedures and even quoted the ministry’s spokesperson.

Key facts from the official statement: - No fee is ever required at any stage of recruitment or posting to a Nigerian embassy. - The fraudulent notice instructed victims to pay for a “credence note,” a non‑existent document meant to legitimize the scam. - All legitimate recruitment for the Foreign Service is conducted exclusively through the Federal Civil Service Commission; the ministry does not use email, WhatsApp, or unsolicited contacts for hiring.

The ministry emphasized that Nigerian missions abroad are not currently recruiting. It labeled the messages as the work of “unscrupulous elements” seeking to extort money. The false communication also misused the name of Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu and referenced the Department of State Services (DSS) clearance to appear authentic.

What this means for Nigerians: any unsolicited request for money in exchange for a diplomatic appointment should be ignored and reported to the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services. Verification of genuine recruitment notices should be done only through official ministry channels or the Federal Civil Service Commission’s website.

The warning arrives amid a broader crackdown on online fraud targeting job seekers. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, verify sources, and refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts.

Watch for further updates as security agencies track the perpetrators and as the ministry reinforces its communication protocols to prevent future scams.