The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has raised concerns over the growing misuse of its corporate identity by fraudulent individuals and organisations, warning that perpetrators risk criminal prosecution and other legal sanctions.
In a public disclaimer issued at the weekend, the commission disclosed that it had uncovered several cases of unauthorised websites, social media accounts and publications falsely claiming affiliation with the agency responsible for coordinating reconstruction and development efforts across Nigeria’s North-East region.
The NEDC described the trend as a deliberate attempt to exploit its reputation and the confidence reposed in it by the public, stressing that the use of its name, logo, insignia or official identity without prior written authorisation constitutes impersonation and is prohibited by law.
“The use of the Commission’s branding, insignia or identity without prior written approval is strictly prohibited. Any website, social media account or publication utilising the Commission’s official marks without authorisation is fraudulent and unauthorised,” the commission stated.
The warning comes amid increasing incidents of digital impersonation and identity theft targeting government institutions and public agencies, with fraudsters often using fake platforms to solicit funds, offer non-existent contracts and deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the commission, such activities contravene several Nigerian laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, which provides sanctions for unlawful processing and misleading representations involving institutional identities.
The agency also cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalises identity theft, impersonation and electronic fraud, as well as the Trade Marks Act, Cap T13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which protects registered names, logos and insignia from unauthorised use.
The NEDC warned that any individual or organisation found culpable would face immediate legal action, including civil claims for damages, criminal prosecution, regulatory penalties and enforcement measures designed to dismantle fraudulent platforms operating in its name.
The commission further clarified that it would not be liable for any transactions, representations or losses arising from dealings with unauthorised persons or entities falsely claiming to represent it.
It therefore urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify information relating to the commission through its official communication channels before engaging with any platform or individual claiming affiliation with the agency.
“Members of the public are advised to refrain from engaging with unauthorised platforms or individuals claiming affiliation with the Commission and to report suspicious accounts or activities to the appropriate authorities or the Commission,” the statement added.
The warning underscores the strategic importance of the NEDC, which manages substantial intervention funds and coordinates rehabilitation and development programmes across the six North-East states affected by years of insurgency.
Established by an Act of the National Assembly, the commission is mandated to assess, coordinate and implement projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and promoting economic recovery in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
Observers note that the unauthorised use of the identities of public institutions not only exposes citizens to financial and cyber-related fraud but also erodes public confidence in government agencies and undermines the delivery of critical development interventions.
With its latest advisory, the NEDC has signalled a firm commitment to protecting its institutional identity and safeguarding the public from fraudulent schemes carried out under the guise of its operations.
