The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has threatened to prosecute Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and extorting traders and business owners across the state.
The agency, which raised the alarm over the activities of the organisations on Friday, accused them of moving from one business premises to another, demanding money under the guise of FCCPC registration and consumer protection levy, while allegedly sealing shops and harassing unsuspecting traders.
The Executive Chairman of the ODCCPA, Mr Oluyemi Fasipe, in a statement issued in Akure, warned the organisations to immediately desist from the activities or face the full weight of the law.
Fasipe said the FCCPC was a Federal Government agency established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, stressing that no NGO had the authority to present itself as the Commission or carry out official functions on its behalf.
He said only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification were empowered to conduct official activities for the Commission.
The ODCCPA chairman further clarified that the agency was the legally established state authority responsible for competition and consumer protection matters in Ondo State under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.
He said the agency was working 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 operating outside the law.
According to him, the state agency had received reports of individuals and organisations collecting money from shop owners, supermarket operators and traders across Ondo State under the pretext of “FCCPC registration” or “consumer protection levy.”
He described the alleged activities as unauthorised, warning that they could amount to extortion, fraud and criminal impersonation.
Fasipe said the state government would not fold its arms and allow individuals or organisations to exploit traders and business owners under the guise of consumer protection.
He consequently directed all organisations involved in the alleged activities to desist forthwith, warning that anyone caught impersonating officials of the FCCPC or ODCCPA, or collecting money unlawfully in the name of either agency, would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The agency urged supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other members of the public to be vigilant and 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 persons to the ODCCPA office or the nearest police station, while complaints could also be made directly to the Executive Chairman on 0706 287 7740.
The agency assured residents that it would continue to work with the FCCPC and other relevant authorities to protect businesses and consumers in the state.
It added that any legitimate joint operation or enforcement exercise involving the FCCPC in Ondo State would be properly coordinated with the relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.
The ODCCPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair, safe and transparent marketplace in Ondo State, stressing that legitimate traders and businesses should be able to operate without intimidation, harassment or extortion.
