The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has cautioned members of the public, government agencies, maritime stakeholders, security agencies and the business community against dealing with individuals allegedly posing as its executives, agents or representatives.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by the association’s National President, Ndubisi Ugo, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.

According to the association, some individuals have been falsely presenting themselves as officials of IMAN and engaging with members of the public in the name of the organisation.

“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 statement partly read.

IMAN also clarified its recognised leadership structure, stating that Ugo is the only recognised National President of the association.

“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.

The association further warned that no individual or group has the authority to collect money, impose levies or dues, charge registration fees or solicit funds on its behalf 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 how members of the public can identify its authorised communications and documents.

“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.

IMAN urged the public to disregard publications, social media accounts or individuals claiming to represent or lead the association outside its recognised leadership structure.

“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,” the association said.

It also stated that it would not accept responsibility for transactions or other dealings conducted with unauthorised individuals.

“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 advised anyone seeking to verify information concerning the association, including appointment letters, official documents and identity cards, 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.

The association added that its authentic documents carry specific security and identification features.

“All authentic documents of IMAN carry the Association’s logo, official watermark, reference number, and the official addresses below,” it stated.