The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has raised the alarm over a rising wave of fraudulent activities involving the unauthorized use of its name, logo, and official identity by individuals and organizations seeking to deceive the public.
In a strongly worded public disclaimer issued at the weekend, the commission said it had detected several fake websites, social media accounts, and publications falsely presenting themselves as affiliates of the agency, which was established to coordinate reconstruction and development efforts in Nigeria’s insurgency-affected North-east region.
“The use of the Commission’s branding, insignia or identity without prior written approval is strictly prohibited,” the NEDC stated. “Any website, social media account or publication utilising the Commission’s official marks without authorisation is fraudulent and unauthorised.”
The commission warned that such impersonation amounts to a deliberate attempt to exploit its growing public profile and trust. It emphasized that perpetrators would face criminal prosecution and stiff sanctions under relevant Nigerian laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, and the Trade Marks Act, Cap T13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Individuals or groups found culpable risk civil litigation for damages, regulatory sanctions, and enforcement actions aimed at shutting down fraudulent platforms, the statement added.
The NEDC further clarified that it would not be held responsible for any transactions, contracts, or losses resulting from dealings with unauthorized entities claiming to represent it. It urged Nigerians to verify all information through the commission’s official communication channels and to report suspicious accounts or activities to the authorities or the NEDC itself.
Established by an Act of the National Assembly, the NEDC is tasked with assessing, coordinating, and implementing key intervention projects across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states. The agency manages significant funds aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and driving economic recovery in the region, which has been devastated by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency.
Analysts note that the increasing misuse of public institutions’ identities not only exposes citizens to financial fraud but also erodes public confidence in government agencies and hampers critical development efforts.
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