By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has warned members of the public, particularly youths, to beware of fraudsters using its Youth Internship Scheme to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement issued on April 1 and signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Commission said its attention had been drawn to messages circulating on social media platforms requesting “all Nigerian youths” to submit their bank account details to receive a purported ₦50,000 monthly stipend.

The NDDC described the message as fraudulent, noting that it did not authorise any such request.

“The criminals behind this deception are luring youths into falling for their phantom scheme, hiding behind the cover of NDDC’s various youth empowerment programmes,” the statement read.

The Commission clarified that beneficiaries of its Youth Internship Scheme were carefully selected from its official database, adding that legitimate participants had already been documented and engaged through proper channels.

“Please note that the NDDC has painstakingly documented beneficiaries, drawn from the Commission’s official database,” it stated.

The agency advised youths seeking employment or empowerment opportunities to rely only on verified information from its official platforms.

“We advise members of the public… to beware of the antics of scammers and seek information only from NDDC official channels,” the Commission said.

The st’’ement also expressed concern over attempts by fraudulent actors to exploit young Nigerians searching for legitimate means of livelihood.

“It is disturbing that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are genuinely eager to be gainfully engaged,” the Commission added.

NDDC urged the public to verify all information regarding its programmes through its official website and social media platforms.

“All inquiries about our Youth Internship Scheme and other empowerment programmes should be channelled through our official information platforms,” the statement said.