The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) against impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Mr Oluyemi Fasipe, Executive Chairman of ODCCPA, who gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure, urged the “NGO’s to desist or face prosecution”.
According to Fasipe, the agency has received reports of some NGO’s allegedly parading themselves as FCCPC officials, extorting traders, sealing business premises and harassing business owners across the state.
“The FCCPC is a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA). No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the commission.
“Only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the commission.
“Within Ondo State, ODCCPA is the legally established state agency responsible for competition and consumer protection matters under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.
“ODCCPA works in collaboration with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices in the state.
“Some of the NGO’s are collecting money from shop owners, supermarket operators and traders under the guise of ‘FCCPC registration or consumer protection levy’,” he said.
The chairman explained that such activities were unauthorised, noting that they could constitute extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation.
According to him, any individual or organisation found impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency, will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
“Supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and members of the public should report anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding payment on behalf of the commission.
“Traders, businesses and consumers in the state are assured of the agency’s commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring a fair, safe and transparent marketplace.
“Any legitimate joint operation or enforcement activity involving the FCCPC in Ondo State will be properly coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels,” he said.