The Nigerian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil wishes to alert all genuine Brazilian and other businessmen and investors, as well as professionals who are interested in doing business with Nigeria as exporters/suppliers of commodities/equipment, or rendering professional services, to avoid passing through uncertified channels, such as internet as their primary source of initiating, processing and/or concluding negotiations or contracts. This is to avoid falling victim to fraudsters who are increasingly impersonating functionaries of Nigerian government establishments and agencies in presenting fake proposals, contracts and other non-existent offers in a deliberate attempt to defraud their target, mostly unsuspecting victims.

These fraudulent deals are often very attractive and associated with one form of payment or the other as processing fee.

The Embassy hereby advises any individual or corporate body currently engaged in discussions/negociations with a faceless person or persons who claim to be representing any Nigerian establisment or organization (public or private) to discontinue further contact or negotiation. If the Nigerian party persists, it/he/they should be asked to channel its/his/their offer (s) or interest (s) through the Embassy of Nigeria in Brasilia.

Note that neither the Embassy nor the Nigerian government will accept responsibility for consequences of any loss or disappointment that might result from such illicit or criminal engagements or negotiations. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code makes it a criminal offence punishable by long-term imprisonment to defraud any person financially or materially under any guise. This law is similar to Section 171 of the Brazilian criminal code for obtaining by false pretence.

Please, be warned.