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

The Executive Chairman of ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, issued the warning in a statement on Friday following reports that some organisations were allegedly parading themselves as FCCPC officials and demanding payments from traders and business owners.

Fasipe said the groups were allegedly collecting money under the guise of “FCCPC registration” and “consumer protection levy”, describing such activities as unauthorised.

He 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.

According to him, only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the commission.

Fasipe explained that the FCCPC was established by the Federal Government 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.

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

The chairman urged supermarket owners, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other residents 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 or the nearest police station, and provided a direct contact number for complaints to his office.

Fasipe 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.

He assured traders, businesses and consumers of the agency’s commitment to protecting their rights and promoting a fair, safe and transparent marketplace, while urging residents to verify the authority of anyone requesting payments on behalf of the agencies.