Importers association warns against impostors

The Importers Association of Nigeria has warned members of the public, government agencies, maritime stakeholders, security agencies and the business community against dealing with impostors and unauthorised persons allegedly parading themselves as executives, agents or representatives of the association.

In a statement signed by its National President, Ndubisi Ugo,  and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, the association raised the alarm that some individuals had been falsely presenting themselves as officials of the association.

“The National Executive Council and Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) wish to draw the attention of the general public, all members, government agencies, maritime stakeholders, security agencies, and the business community to the activities of impostors and unauthorised persons parading themselves as executives, agents, or representatives of IMAN,” the association’s statement partly read.

The association affirmed that Ugo was the only recognised National President of IMAN, saying he was appointed by the Board of Trustees through a letter dated July 21, 2026, with effect from August 1, 2026.

“The only recognised National President of IMAN is Chief Dr Ndubisi George Ugo, appointed by the Board of Trustees vide letter dated 21st July 2026, effective 1st August 2026”, it affirmed.

IMAN warned that no individual or group was authorised to collect money or solicit funds on behalf of the association without approval from the Office of the National President. “No person or group is authorised to collect money, levy, dues, registration fees, or solicit funds on behalf of IMAN except as duly authorised by the Office of the National President,” the statement said.

The association also outlined the requirements for authentic official communications and documents, saying they must carry the appropriate authorisation. “All official communications, appointments, press releases, and directives of IMAN must be on the Association’s official letterhead and duly signed by the National President or the BOT Chairman,” it said.

It urged members of the public to disregard publications, social media accounts or individuals claiming leadership of the association outside the recognised leadership structure.

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“The public is hereby advised to disregard any contrary publication, social media account, or person claiming leadership of IMAN other than the current legitimate leadership,” IMAN said.

The association further warned that it would not accept responsibility for transactions conducted with unauthorised persons.

“The Association shall not be liable for any transaction or dealing with unauthorised persons. Any person who deals with such impostors does so at his/her own risk, and such persons will face the full wrath of the law,” it said.

IMAN urged anyone seeking to verify information, appointment letters, official documents, identity cards or other matters concerning the association to use only its designated communication channels.

“For verification of any information, appointment letter, official document, identity card, or for any enquiry relating to IMAN, please contact only the official channels below,” the statement said.

On its official documents, the association said, “All authentic documents of IMAN carry the Association’s logo, official watermark, reference number, and the official addresses below.”