CHEMEXCIL
Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council
(Set-up by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India)
Jhansi Castle, 4th floor, 7-Cooperage Road,   Mumbai - 400 001.

Tel  :+91-22-69821200 to 206 Membership Helpline No : 7738933059
Twitter : @chemexcil
E-mail: info@chemexcil.in
Website: http://www.chemexcil.in

EPC: Nigeria: Advisory:2023-24                                                                            14th December 2023

TO

To

ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Chemexcil!

CHEMEXCIL is in receipt of communication from the High Commission of India -Abuja, Nigeria, regarding the concerning increase in queries and complaints from the Indian companies about the fraudulent practices associated with multi-million-dollar contracts purportedly awarded by (alleged) government organizations of Nigeria. Numerous unsuspecting businesses in India have reported being approached by these entities, resulting in financial fraud and deception.

In view of above High Commission of India Abuja, Nigeria has issued a following advisory

·         Foreign companies are not permitted to participate in contracts advertised by Nigerian Councils and Commissions, which are exclusively designed for local companies and organizations within specific Nigerian States.

·         Legitimate government contracts in Nigeria, if open to foreign participation, follow transparent processes and are often published in local newspapers and media outlets for the benefit of local industries.

·         Nigerian law does not recognize any constituted body such as a Contract Awarding Committee or Contact Tender Board. Foreign companies eligible to apply are not required to register in Nigeria or pay facilitation fees to lawyers.

·         The"419 Scam," a known fraud in Nigeria where money is demanded or sent via Money Gram or Western Union, never through the SWIFT Network. The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued an advisory regarding this scam Central Bank of Nigeria Website. > 419 (cbn.gov.ng).

·         Fraudsters exploit names resembling legitimate organizations like Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), Nigeria Northeast Rebuilding Development Program (NNRDP), Taraba State Rural Development Council (TSRDC), Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA), Nigeria Projects Authority Contracts Division (NPACD), Bauchi State Rural & Urban Development Authority (BSRUDA), Nigeria Northeast Rebuilding Development Program (NNRDP), Adamawa State Urban Planning & Development Authority (ASUPDA), Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA), West African Communal Initiative Project (WARCIP), All Progressive Congress (APC) – Project Implementation Department and other similar sounding names. Caution is advised if approached by entities using these or similar-sounding names.

·         In case of contact from these entities, businesses in India are advised to seek detailed information, including Registration Numbers with Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, Tax Registration, and other relevant details and forward these to the High Commission for verification.

·         Contact details of the Commerce Wing of the High Commission of India in Abuja for assistance in verification procedures is available on the High Commission's website.  High Commission of India, Abuja, Nigeria (hciabuja.gov.in)

·         Indian businesses are cautioned against engaging in transactions or exports solely based on purchase orders. Export activities should be initiated only against a letter of credit (LC), a legal contract, or a genuine bank guarantee to ease resolution processes in case of defaults or disputes.

Members dealing in businesses/trade with Nigeria are requested to take the note of this important advisory before executing any trade deal.

Thanks and Regards

Raghuveer Kini
Director General
CHEMEXCIL