Ondo Agency Warns Against Illegal Levies, Fake FCCPC Officials Extorting Traders
Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency warns traders against illegal levies and fake FCCPC officials collecting money under the guise of registration.
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned traders, market leaders and business owners across the state against paying illegal levies to individuals or organisations allegedly impersonating officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The warning follows reports that some non-governmental organisations and other groups have allegedly been presenting themselves as FCCPC officials and demanding payments from traders under various descriptions, including “FCCPC registration” and “consumer protection levy.”
The ODCCPA Executive Chairman, Oluyemi Fasipe, issued the warning on Friday, October 2, 2026, saying such activities were unauthorised and could amount to impersonation and extortion. The development was also reported by Punch.
Fasipe stressed that members of the public should verify the identity and authority of anyone claiming to represent a government consumer-protection agency before making any payment.
According to him, no non-governmental organisation is authorised to present itself as the FCCPC or independently carry out official activities on behalf of the federal commission.
He explained that only duly authorised FCCPC officials carrying valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the commission.
Agency Warns Against Unauthorised Collections
The ODCCPA chairman said individuals or organisations found impersonating FCCPC or ODCCPA officials, or unlawfully collecting money in the name of either agency, would be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.
The warning is particularly significant for traders and small business owners who may be vulnerable to unofficial collections because of the number of regulatory, market and association-related payments they encounter.
The agency urged traders not to assume that a demand for payment is legitimate simply because the person making the demand claims to represent a government institution.
Businesses are encouraged to request appropriate identification and verify any levy, registration charge or enforcement exercise through official channels before making payments.
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency says its mandate includes consumer protection, enforcement, advocacy, mediation and promoting transparent market practices across the state. (Ondo Consumer Protection Agency)
ODCCPA and FCCPC Have Different Roles
Fasipe also clarified the distinction between the two agencies.
The FCCPC is a federal government institution established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, while the ODCCPA is Ondo State's consumer and competition protection agency established under the state's newly enacted legislation.
The Ondo State House of Assembly passed the bill establishing the ODCCPA in September 2026. The legislation provides mechanisms for addressing consumer complaints through negotiation, mediation and reconciliation, while giving the agency powers to take action against practices that harm consumers. (Trace News Magazine)
The creation of the state agency has also expanded Ondo's institutional framework for dealing with unfair business practices and consumer complaints.
The agency's official platform lists enforcement and market surveillance among its responsibilities, alongside public education and dispute resolution.
Businesses Urged to Remain Vigilant
The latest warning comes amid increased enforcement activity by the agency since the appointment of Fasipe as its executive chairman.
In September, the agency warned producers, distributors and sellers of fake, adulterated, expired and substandard products that they could face sanctions under the new state law. Reports indicated that the agency's enforcement powers include the ability to sanction violators and pursue prosecution where applicable.
The agency has also been increasing its engagement with security institutions. Its official website reported a recent meeting with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in consumer-protection enforcement.
Fasipe said any legitimate joint enforcement operation involving the ODCCPA and FCCPC would be properly coordinated with relevant authorities and communicated through official channels.
This clarification is intended to help businesses distinguish genuine regulatory activities from unauthorised operations.
Public Asked to Report Suspected Extortion
The agency has called on supermarket operators, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other residents to report anyone claiming to be an FCCPC official or demanding money on behalf of the commission without verifiable authority.
Members of the public can report suspected cases to the ODCCPA or the nearest police station. Fasipe also provided 0706 287 7740 as a direct contact number for complaints to his office.
The development underscores the importance of transparency in regulatory activities, particularly as businesses contend with multiple fees, taxes, registrations and compliance requirements.
For traders, the agency's message is straightforward: do not pay a levy merely because someone claims it is required by a government agency. Verify the demand first.
As Ondo strengthens its consumer-protection framework, the ODCCPA says its objective is to protect consumers while ensuring that legitimate businesses can operate in a fair and transparent marketplace.
The agency's latest warning therefore serves both as a consumer-protection measure and a caution to traders against falling victim to individuals exploiting the names of government regulatory bodies to collect unauthorised payments.