The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a strong warning to the public over a fraudulent scheme circulating on social media, in which scammers are falsely offering a monthly stipend of N50,000 to Nigerian youths under the guise of the Commission’s Youth Internship Programme.
In a statement released on April 1, 2026, signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission said its attention had been drawn to messages urging “all Nigerian youths” to submit their bank account details to qualify for the purported stipend. It described the claim as entirely false and the handiwork of criminal elements seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
The NDDC clarified that beneficiaries of its Youth Internship Scheme were carefully selected from its official database, noting that the programme had already engaged duly registered youths across the Niger Delta region.
According to the Commission, the fraudulent messages are part of a broader attempt by scammers to capitalise on its youth empowerment initiatives, thereby deceiving young people who are genuinely seeking legitimate opportunities.
“It is disturbing that some individuals are attempting to take advantage of our youths under the pretext of non-existent schemes,” the statement said, urging vigilance among the public.
The Commission advised Nigerians to disregard such messages and refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources. It emphasised that all authentic information regarding its programmes is disseminated strictly through official communication channels.
Prospective applicants and beneficiaries were encouraged to verify any claims via the Commission’s website and its recognised social media platforms.
“All inquiries about our Youth Internship Scheme and other empowerment programmes should be directed through our official information platforms,” the statement added.
The NDDC reiterated its commitment to transparency and warned that it would not be responsible for any losses incurred through engagement with fraudulent schemes.
