The Federal Government has issued a public warning to Nigerians over a fraudulent recruitment message circulating online, describing it as a scam designed to deceive job seekers and extort money.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, authorities said the message falsely advertises job openings within Nigeria’s diplomatic service, particularly in consular sections of embassies abroad.
According to the ministry, the misleading message claims that selected candidates have already been shortlisted and are required to pay money for the processing of a document referred to as a “credence note.” Officials described this as entirely false, warning that it is a tactic used by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
The government clarified that there is currently no recruitment exercise into Nigeria’s foreign missions, urging the public to disregard such messages and avoid engaging with those behind them. It stressed that no legitimate government recruitment is conducted through unofficial channels such as emails, WhatsApp messages, or unsolicited contact.
Authorities further explained that all recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is strictly managed by the Federal Civil Service Commission through verified and transparent procedures.
The statement read in part:
“The ministry wishes to state unequivocally that the communication is fake and misleading and the handiwork of unscrupulous elements seeking to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
“No fees are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic postings within the ministry or Nigeria’s missions abroad.
“The Ministry does not authorise any individual or entity to request payments on its behalf for employment or diplomatic appointments.
“The inclusion of a reference to DSS clearance and attribution to the ministry’s spokesperson in the fraudulent message is a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.”
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment messages to relevant authorities, emphasising that legitimate job opportunities within government institutions will always be announced through official platforms.
