The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a public warning about a surge in fraudulent activities involving scammers who falsely claim to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.
The commission has clarified that registration for the internship scheme officially closed on 31st August 2024, and any communication suggesting otherwise should be considered suspicious.
In an official statement released on Friday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the commission alerted the public to the deceptive tactics being employed by these fraudsters.
According to the statement, numerous individuals have reported receiving unsolicited messages falsely informing them that they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme.
These messages often include requests for personal information and an acceptance fee, which are not part of any legitimate NDDC process.
The commission firmly stated that it does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme.
“The NDDC does not ask for any form of payment for participation in its Youth Internship Scheme,” Thompson-Wakama noted.
“We want to categorically state that the NDDC has no connection to these fraudulent activities, and the selection process being peddled by these scammers is entirely fake.”
To protect the public from falling victim to these scams, the NDDC stressed that all official communications regarding its programmes, including the Youth Internship Scheme, are only disseminated through verified channels.
These include the commission’s official website and its authorised social media accounts. Any correspondence that does not originate from these verified sources should be ignored.
The statement continued: “If you receive any message that resembles the fraudulent communications described, we urge you to disregard it and report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.
The NDDC prioritises the safety and privacy of the public, and we are committed to protecting individuals from identity theft and financial exploitation.”
The commission also encouraged the public to be vigilant and to contact the NDDC directly through its official channels for any legitimate inquiries regarding its empowerment programmes.
“For authentic information about our schemes, including the Youth Internship Programme, please reach out to us directly.
Do not engage with unverified sources or individuals claiming to represent the NDDC without proper verification.”
The NDDC’s warning comes amid increasing reports of scams targeting job seekers and youth looking for internship opportunities. Such scams are not only financially damaging but also risk exposing personal data to malicious entities.
By highlighting the unauthorised solicitation of fees and personal details, the NDDC aims to raise awareness and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Scammers often leverage the trust associated with reputable organisations like the NDDC to deceive individuals into believing they are participating in legitimate programmes.
The NDDC has therefore reiterated the importance of caution and the need for the public to always verify the authenticity of any communication they receive about NDDC initiatives.
In addition to warning against fraudulent messages, the NDDC has taken steps to improve its communication strategy to ensure that the public receives clear and accurate information.
The commission has reinforced its commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that all official announcements and updates are accessible and easy to verify.
As part of its broader efforts to combat fraud, the NDDC has also been working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible for these scams.
The commission urges anyone who has received suspicious communications or who has been a victim of such fraudulent schemes to report the incidents to the appropriate authorities without delay.
The NDDC remains dedicated to its mission of supporting the development and empowerment of the Niger Delta region, and it continues to offer genuine opportunities for youth engagement and skills development through legitimate channels.
The public is encouraged to stay informed and connected through official NDDC platforms to avoid falling prey to scams and to benefit fully from the commission’s initiatives.
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