An Ondo State agency has cautioned individuals and organisations against imposing or collecting unauthorised levies, urging residents to comply with approved regulations.

The Executive Chairman of Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA), Oluyemi Fasipe

The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned non-governmental organisations allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) against extorting traders and sealing business premises across the state.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Oluyemi Fasipe, issued the warning in a statement on his X handle on Friday, following reports of some NGOs allegedly parading themselves as FCCPC officials and demanding payments from traders and business owners.

According to Fasipe, the groups were allegedly collecting money under the guise of “FCCPC registration” and “consumer protection levy.”

He described the 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.

“No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the FCCPC. Only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the Commission,” Fasipe said.

He 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.

He also provided 0706 287 7740 as a direct contact number for complaints to his office.

The chairman further 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.

Fasipe 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.