Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a fraudulent recruitment scheme targeting aspiring diplomats.
In a statement signed on Saturday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, officials distanced the government from a viral message claiming to offer positions within the Nigerian Diplomatic Service. The scam, which primarily circulates online, falsely informs victims they have been shortlisted for roles in consular sections of embassies abroad.
The ‘Credence Note’ Trap
According to the Ministry, the fraudsters have been directing unsuspecting applicants to pay fees for the processing of a “credence note.”The government has clarified that this is a “deliberate attempt to deceive” and has laid out several key facts to protect the public:
No Active Recruitment: Nigerian missions abroad are not currently hiring.
Official Channels Only: Legitimate recruitment is handled exclusively by the Federal Civil Service Commission, not through WhatsApp or unsolicited emails.
Zero Fees: The Ministry emphasized that no payments are ever required at any stage of the recruitment or posting process.
False Credentials: The scam messages often mention Department of State Services (DSS) clearance to appear authentic, a tactic the Ministry labeled as “the handiwork of unscrupulous elements.”
A Call for Vigilance
The Ministry has urged anyone who has been contacted by these scammers to report the encounter to the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services immediately.”The Ministry remains committed to transparency, integrity, and the protection of citizens from fraudulent schemes,” the statement read, advising that all official verifications should be conducted through formal government communication channels.
This warning comes amid a rise in digital employment scams across West Africa, where fraudsters often impersonate high-ranking government institutions to exploit job seekers.
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