The Federal Government has raised alarm over unauthorized online platforms allegedly acting as palliative distribution agency in the country.
By Ademu Usman Idakwo
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stated this on Monday in a statement signed personally and made available to the media houses.
According to Uzoka-Anite, there are different unauthorised online platforms claiming associations with the Presidential Palliative Programmes, and charging people for palliative distribution.
She said that these channels are demanding that participants pay certain amount to apply for palliatives.
She therefore called on Nigerians to ignore such platforms, noting that the only verified platform for the palliative initiatives is the official website of the ministry endorsed by the federal government.
“It has come to my notice that unauthorized platforms are falsely claiming association with the Presidential Palliative Programmes. I, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, urgently advise Nigerians to utilize only the official portal (fedgrantandloan.gov.ng) for authentic updates and applications.
“Protect your information by avoiding unauthorized channels. Rely solely on the verified website for accurate details regarding these vital initiatives.” the statement read.
The Federal Government had recently announced its intention to begin disbursement of N50,000 to nano businesses in all 774 local government areas in the country as part of its efforts towards assuaging the impact of subsidy to small businesses.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Doris Uzok- Anite who disclosed this in a statement said the program consists the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and the Presidential Palliative Loan Programme targeted at manufacturers, SMEs, MSMEs and businesses.
