FG says 25 ambassador-designates get agrément, warns against fake titles

Ebienfa explained that the agreements, known as agrément, represent formal consent from receiving countries after due diligence on Nigeria’s nominees.

He added, “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.

“We are going to talk to them about how to conduct themselves, how to host official engagements, how to advertise the country very well, for our own benefits.”

Responding to inquiries on ambassador-designates who may have been rejected by host countries, Ebienfa said no nominee would be left without a posting at the end of the process.

“Whether any ambassadors have been rejected or not, foreign affairs will not come and tell the public about it. What we will ensure is that all ambassador designates will have countries that they will serve in.

“Out of the 65 ambassadors-designate, we have over seventy plus embassies, so it is not every slot that is filled already, so even if someone is rejected by country, there is the possibility that they will be accepted in Country B. So that is what the ministry is working with,” he said.

The ministry also warned against the illegal use of diplomatic titles, describing it as a criminal offence.

Ebienfa said the government had observed an increase in cases of individuals and groups falsely presenting themselves as ambassadors.

He listed offences to include unauthorised use of diplomatic titles, issuance of fake diplomatic documents and fraudulent conferment of such titles.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with grave concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups who illegally usurp diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer same, specifically the title of ‘Ambassador,’ upon themselves or unsuspecting members of the public. Such titles are not recognised under Nigerian laws or relevant international conventions,” he said.

He added that only the President has the authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors.

The spokesperson said security agencies had been directed to arrest and prosecute offenders.

Nigeria has operated several foreign missions without substantive ambassadors since 2023, relying on chargés d’affaires.

The President submitted a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly in 2025, with their deployment subject to approval by host countries.