Juliet Ezeh
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a stern warning to youths across the country over fraudulent schemes falsely linked to its Youth Internship Programme.
In a statement on Wednesday, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, revealed that scammers are circulating messages on social media, asking youths to submit their bank account details to receive a fictitious monthly stipend of ₦50,000.
Thompson-Wakama emphasized that the commission maintains a verified database of programme beneficiaries and that many youths from the Niger Delta region have legitimately benefited from its skills and youth initiatives. “The criminals behind this deception are luring youths into falling for a phantom scheme, hiding behind the cover of NDDC’s various youth empowerment schemes,” the statement said.
The NDDC urged the public to ignore such messages and seek information only through its official communication channels. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to verify facts via the NDDC’s official website and social media handles to avoid falling victim to scammers.
The commission stressed the importance of vigilance, noting that fraudulent actors are exploiting the ambitions of young Nigerians eager for gainful employment. “All inquiries about our Youth Internship Scheme and other empowerment programmes should be channelled through our official information platforms,” the statement added.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.