IN SHORT: Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry has warned Nigerians about a fake job ad circulating online. Recruitment takes place through the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading economies, has been without ambassadors since September 2023, when they were recalled by president Bola Tinubu.
In March 2025 news reports said that vetting for new ambassadors had begun and appointments would be made soon. But Africa Check could find no further reports of this process.
It is in this context that a job advert making the rounds on Facebook claims that the foreign affairs ministry is recruiting.
The message is headlined: “Nigeria Launches Diplomat Recruitment For 76 Embassies, 22 High Commissions, 11 Consulates.”
The post includes a screenshot of a circular about the jobs, supposedly from the ministry. It says applicants must be between 35 and 65 years old.
The same claim has been made here and here. (Note: See more instances at the end of this report.) But is the job advert authentic?
Red flags
On the face of it, the ad appears to be authentic, following the media reports that the hiring of new ambassadors is underway.
But on closer inspection, a number of red flags caught our attention.
There has not been any mention of the recruitment in any of Nigeria’s credible news outlets, nor on the ministry’s website and official social media handles, as might be expected.
According to the post, applicants must contact the diplomatic channels via Telegram, specifically @diplomaticchannelsng, to confirm receipt of their applications.
It is unlikely that the ministry would ask applicants to confirm their application via a free messaging app.
The ad also says that application letters and CVs should be emailed to “[email protected] and the following emails must be copied accordingly [email protected] and [email protected]”.
The ministry is unlikely to use a Gmail address for job applications.
Fake job advert
On 28 April, the ministry posted a disclaimer on its website warning Nigerians against fake job ads.
It said: “The Ministry unequivocally disassociates itself from this misleading and malicious advertisement and urges the general public to disregard such announcements and refrain from engaging with individuals or entities promoting these fraudulent schemes.”
At the federal ministry level, recruitment is through the Federal Civil Service Commission, the ministry said, adding that it does not engage in direct recruitment nor does it solicit or accept payment for applications or appointments.
For tips on how to spot online scams offering jobs, grants, loans and gifts, read our guide here.
The same claim was also posted here, here, here, here and here.
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