The Edo State Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has warned individuals and groups against illegally collecting levies or imposing fines in its name, insisting that all payments must go through accounts approved by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
The commission’s chairman, Osaro Iyamu, gave the warning while addressing stakeholders and partners, stressing that no ministry, agency, parastatal or government committee was authorised to collect money on behalf of the state government outside the approved revenue framework.
Iyamu said any government agency or committee requiring enforcement and compliance services must have officers of the Board of Internal Revenue attached to the exercise to ensure that collections are properly conducted and accounted for.
He urged residents to report anyone claiming to be a CPC official and demanding payment through unauthorised accounts, describing such individuals as impostors who would be dealt with according to the law.
The chairman also said the commission was committed to transparency and would not tolerate bribery or financial misconduct.
Recalling the commission’s inauguration on September 3, he said he had made it clear that neither he nor any member of the commission would be influenced into engaging in illegal activities.
Iyamu disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo had approved the provision of a bus and an 18-seater vehicle, alongside other logistical support, to strengthen the commission’s operations.
He, however, said the commission had faced attempts by some individuals to influence its activities through lobbying and bribery since it began operations, but maintained that he would protect his integrity and the reputation of the state government.
CPC raises concerns over counterfeit products
Iyamu identified consumer rights protection, public health safeguards and action against unfair business practices as key responsibilities of the commission.
He said the CPC would not abandon its mandate despite pressure to compromise its enforcement activities.
The chairman also raised concerns over an encounter with the Edo State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Itwa Esther, during discussions about the commission’s enforcement against counterfeit and expired products.
According to Iyamu, the NAFDAC coordinator questioned why the commission was conducting enforcement activities and reportedly attributed deaths associated with harmful products largely to excessive alcohol consumption.
He said he challenged that position, arguing that government agencies had a responsibility to protect residents from fake, counterfeit and expired products.
Iyamu further alleged that NAFDAC personnel from Asaba had earlier visited the CPC office to collect sachets of gin seized during the commission’s operations in Edo State.
He said the incident raised concerns about the handling of the enforcement exercise. He also disclosed that an invitation from NAFDAC’s zonal office in Asaba was presented during the meeting, but he declined to sign it, insisting that the CPC would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
The chairman accused the state coordinator of undermining efforts to tackle counterfeit products and called for greater accountability and cooperation among government agencies.
He maintained that the commission would continue its enforcement activities in accordance with the law and Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.
Iyamu said the health and safety of Edo residents would remain central to the commission’s work and would not be compromised for personal interests or financial inducements.
