The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has issued a warning to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). These NGOs have been reportedly extorting traders and sealing business premises across the state. The warning was given by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Oluyemi Fasipe, via a statement on his X handle on Friday.
According to Fasipe, the groups have been collecting money under the guise of “FCCPC registration” and “consumer protection levy.” The ODCCPA chairman described these activities as unauthorised and warned that anyone found impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency, would be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
Fasipe emphasised that no NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the FCCPC, and only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the Commission. He explained that the FCCPC is a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
The ODCCPA chairman also clarified that any legitimate joint operation or enforcement activity involving the ODCCPA and FCCPC in Ondo State would be properly coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels. He directed organisations involved in the alleged activities to desist immediately, stressing that the state government would not tolerate impersonation, extortion, harassment or actions capable of misleading members of the public and disrupting legitimate businesses.
Fasipe urged supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other members of the public to report anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding payment on behalf of the commission. He advised members of the public to report such persons to the ODCCPA office or the nearest police station, and provided 0706 287 7740 as a direct contact number for complaints to his office.
The chairman assured traders, businesses and consumers that the agency remained committed to protecting their rights and promoting a fair, safe and transparent marketplace. He called on residents to remain vigilant and avoid making payments to individuals or organisations whose authority to act on behalf of the FCCPC or ODCCPA could not be verified.
The warning comes as part of the ODCCPA's efforts to safeguard the rights of traders and consumers in the state. The agency's efforts aim to promote a fair and transparent business environment, free from extortion and harassment. Key points include:
Key points
- The ODCCPA warned NGOs against impersonating FCCPC officials and extorting traders.
- The agency clarified that only authorised FCCPC officials are permitted to conduct official activities.
- The ODCCPA assured its commitment to protecting traders' and consumers' rights.
