Foreign ministry debunks recruitment notice

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that it has commenced the process of employing 6,200 personnel at its foreign missions in 26 countries.

Spokesperson of the ministry, Dr Tope EliasFatile told newsmen yesterday in Abuja, that the ministry was not engaging anyone either at the headquarters or at foreign missions.

The ministry, he said, does not employ directly as it is the responsibility of the Federal Civil Service Commission, especially as concern senior officers.

“The attention of the ministry has been drawn to the fictitious news that there are 16,200 vacancies in Nigerian embassies in 26 countries around the world, which includes Canada, USA, Australia and UK.

“This is false. The Federal Government or foreign affairs has not placed such adverts for employments in any of the Nigerian mission outside the country.

“The rules of getting employed into the Foreign Service are clear and it is within the country. The advert will be placed by the Civil service commission that is from level 8 and above. If it is internal, from level 1-6, is from the ministry and the ministry did not issue any advert,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ministry also issued emergency help lines for Nigerians in Diaspora.

The lines, 08023099864, 08112853135, 09060888894 and 09021000900, would be available to all Nigerians irrespective of location and status, Elias-Fatile said.