Foreign Affairs Ministry assures Nigerians of its trust

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, warning that it will not tolerate any actions aimed at defrauding citizens or undermining public trust.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

He explained that the assurance followed reports of the impersonation of Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, on social media.

According to him, the ministry’s attention has been drawn to the malicious creation and operation of fake social media accounts, particularly on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, which fraudulently impersonated Ahmed.

Ebienfa said, “These fraudulent accounts are being used to solicit personal favour, financial gains and other dubious activities such as fake promises of contract awards from unsuspecting members of the public.

“They are aimed at tarnishing the reputation and integrity of the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

“The ministry wishes to state that the permanent secretary, Amb. Ahmed, does not own or operate any personal social media accounts for official or professional purposes.
“All official communications from the Office of the Permanent Secretary are disseminated through the Ministry’s verified channels, including its official website (www.foreignaffairs.gov.ng) and official social media handles.”

According to him, the permanent secretary will never promise or make offers of contract awards or solicit funds and personal favour through social media or unverified channels.

“Therefore, the diplomatic community and the general public are hereby, advised to exercise utmost caution, and disregard any communication or request from these fake accounts.

“Also, to report any such fake accounts or impersonation attempts to the relevant social media platforms for immediate takedown and to the Nigerian Police Force via the Cybercrime Unit,” he advised.

The spokesperson revealed the ministry would work closely with relevant security and regulatory agencies to carry out thorough investigation, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to upholding highest standards of integrity and transparency in its operations.

“It will not tolerate actions aimed at defrauding citizens and undermining public trust,” he said.