The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians about fraudulent activities involving individuals falsely claiming to have received award letters for construction contracts and special financial interventions on behalf of the Bank.
Spokesperson of the bank, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, in a statement, clarified that these claims are entirely false and part of an ongoing scam aimed at defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
According to her, the criminal elements behind these fraudulent assertions are misleading Nigerians with the false promise of lucrative contracts and funding interventions, but their sole intention is to deceive and exploit.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to make it clear that it has not issued any contract awards for construction works or special financial interventions to any third parties,” the statement emphasized.
“These claims are completely unfounded, and the public is advised to disregard any such announcements as they are fraudulent.”
The Bank further explained that, in alignment with its current management’s strategic priorities, it has completely halted its involvement in direct development interventions and special project funding. This includes any initiatives related to infrastructure development or financing programs that may have been misrepresented by fraudsters.
Moreover, the CBN clarified that it has not authorised any public announcements or notices regarding such funding schemes on social media platforms or through any other news outlets.
The Bank also reiterated its commitment to maintaining its core responsibilities, which include ensuring monetary and price stability, alongside fostering a sound and efficient financial system in Nigeria.
As part of its efforts to protect the public, the CBN has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or fraudulent claims immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies. The Bank emphasized that prompt reporting is crucial to curbing these fraudulent activities and protecting the financial integrity of the nation.
The CBN’s spokesperson added that the proactive stance is a reminder to the public about the importance of caution when encountering such claims, ensuring that only legitimate channels are followed in any financial dealings or contract awards related to the Bank.
“We encourage all Nigerians to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity that could compromise the integrity of the financial system,” the statement added.
SOURCE: THESUN
