By Kanu Samuel
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to immediately stop the practice or face prosecution.
The agency said some NGOs operating across the state had allegedly been parading themselves as FCCPC officials, collecting money from traders, sealing business premises and harassing business owners.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Executive Chairman, Mr Oluyemi Fasípe, the ODCCPA said the FCCPC was a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), stressing that no NGO was authorised to act or present itself as the Commission.
According to the agency, only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the Commission.
The ODCCPA further said that within Ondo State, it was the legally established state agency responsible for competition and consumer protection matters under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.
It said it worked in collaboration with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities, adding that any group or organisation unlawfully presenting itself as either the FCCPC or ODCCPA was acting outside the law.
The agency said it had received reports that some organisations were collecting money from shop owners, supermarket operators and traders across the state under the guise of “FCCPC registration” or a “consumer protection levy”.
It described such activities as unauthorised and said they could constitute extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation.
“All organisations involved in such activities are hereby directed to desist forthwith,” the statement said.
The agency warned that the state government would not tolerate impersonation, extortion, harassment or any activity capable of misleading members of the public or disrupting legitimate business operations.
It added that any individual or organisation found impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency, would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.
The ODCCPA 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.
It advised members of the public to report such cases to the ODCCPA office or the nearest police station.
Complaints may also be made directly to the Executive Chairman on 0706 287 7740.
The agency said any legitimate joint operation or enforcement activity in Ondo State would be properly coordinated with the relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.
It assured traders, businesses and consumers in the state of its commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring a fair, safe and transparent marketplace without intimidation, harassment or extortion.
The statement was signed by Fasípe, Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency.
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