Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has warned Nigerians to beware of fake scholarships and employment offers from criminal syndicates abroad.
Speaking on Thursday during a public investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Ojukwu said fraudulent groups are exploiting Nigerians’ hopes with too-good-to-be-true offers.
Her words: “Criminal syndicates based abroad are scamming people of their hard-earned money every day with fake scholarships and jobs. Our citizens should beware of offers that sound just too good to be true.”
Ojukwu also raised concerns over the rising number of Nigerians being harassed, deported, or denied entry into foreign countries, even with valid visas issued by embassies in Nigeria.
She said the federal government is aware of these challenges and is actively engaging with affected countries through diplomatic channels.
“The ministry of foreign affairs is working to ensure that, in line with the amnesty granted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the monies confiscated from our citizens at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, are returned to them,” she said.
Ojukwu advised Nigerian travellers to make full and honest declarations regarding currency at foreign border posts to avoid seizures.
Her comments came during a session chaired by Neda Imasuen, senator representing Edo South, where several petitions by Nigerians were reviewed.
