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

According to Fasipe, the groups were allegedly collecting money from businesses 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.

Fasipe stressed that no NGO has the authority to act or present itself as the FCCPC, adding that 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, while the ODCCPA is responsible for competition and consumer protection matters in Ondo State under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.

The ODCCPA chairman directed organisations involved in the alleged activities to stop immediately, warning that the state government would not tolerate impersonation, extortion, harassment or actions capable of misleading the public and disrupting legitimate businesses.

He urged supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other residents to report anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding payments on behalf of the commission.

Fasipe advised members of the public to report such individuals 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 enforcement operation involving the ODCCPA and FCCPC in Ondo State would be properly coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.