Niger disclaims fake empowerment scheme, urges public caution

The Niger State Government has disowned an online portal circulating on social media that invites the state’s youths and farmers to register, describing it as fraudulent.

The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, stated that the portal was created by suspected fraudsters seeking to exploit Governor Mohammed Bago’s efforts to promote agriculture and youth empowerment in the state.

Usman raised the alarm on Tuesday in a statement issued by his spokesman, Lawal Tanko, urging residents to disregard the scheme.

“The attention of the Niger State Government has been drawn to a fraudulent online portal currently circulating on various social media platforms, claiming to be a registration platform for a Niger State Youth Empowerment and Farmers’ Grant Programme,” the statement read.

Usman clarified that the government has not launched any such registration portal and warned residents to report any suspicious links or information about the fraudulent scheme to relevant security agencies.

“The Niger State Government wishes to emphasise that all legitimate government programmes and initiatives are announced through official channels, including the state government’s official website and verified social media handles. When any empowerment programme is launched, it will be properly communicated through these official channels,” he added.

The SSG advised the public to avoid submitting personal information on fraudulent portals and remain vigilant against similar schemes exploiting the name of the state government.