The Federal government has raised the alarm over the spread of fake online platforms for palliative distribution in the country.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a notice through her X handle on Monday.
According to the Minister, different unauthorized online platforms claim associations with the Presidential Palliative Programmes and charge people for palliative distribution.
She urged Nigerians to ignore such platforms, noting that the only verified platform for the palliative initiative is the one with the government’s endorsement.
“It has come to my notice that unauthorized platforms falsely claim 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, http://fedgrantandloan.gov.ng, for authentic updates and applications.
“Protect your information. Avoid unauthorized channels. Rely solely on the verified website for accurate details regarding these vital initiatives.
“Also, do not pay anyone to process applications. It’s free”, she stated.
Recall that in July, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced N125 billion in funding for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) under its presidential Palliative Loan Programme.
Accordingly, the government said N75 billion will be released to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors and N75 billion to manufacturers.