The Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment has issued an official warning to the public, raising alarm over fraudulent activities involving the illegal collection of environmental levies by individuals falsely claiming to represent the Ministry.
According to the Ministry, these individuals are illegally demanding and collecting payments for effluent discharge and other environmental charges under false pretenses for personal gain.
In a public announcement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo, the Ministry described the act as criminal and a direct violation of the financial procedures established by the State Government. The Commissioner emphasized that no individual, consultant, agent, or third party has been authorized by the Ministry to collect any such payments on its behalf.
The Ministry clarified that all payments related to environmental levies, including effluent discharge charges, must be made directly into the official account of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR). The designated account is held at Access Bank with the following details: Account Name – BYSG PAY DIRECT ACCOUNT; Account Number – 0708280559; Sort Code – 044320636.
Members of the public, corporate bodies, and business operators across the state have been strongly advised to ensure that any environmental-related payments are made only through the official government payment channel. The Ministry warned that making payments to unauthorized persons not only violates state procedures but also contributes to criminal activity.
The Commissioner urged residents and organizations to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities involving the demand or collection of environmental fees to the Ministry of Environment or directly to the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue through official channels. These reports, the Ministry added, will assist in curbing illegal revenue practices and protecting public funds from exploitation.
The Ministry has also issued a stern warning to those impersonating government officials or claiming fraudulent authority to collect state levies. Such individuals have been advised to cease their actions immediately. The announcement makes it clear that anyone found engaging in unauthorized collection of state revenues will be apprehended and prosecuted according to the law.
This latest warning underscores the state government’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and accountability in its financial operations, particularly in the area of environmental management and enforcement. The Ministry stated that proper revenue collection is essential for implementing environmental policies and sustaining regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting the Bayelsa environment.
The Ministry has previously taken steps to streamline revenue collection and eliminate third-party interference in financial transactions related to environmental compliance. This includes introducing formal payment systems and discouraging cash-based transactions that are vulnerable to abuse.
According to officials, the fraudulent activities were discovered through credible intelligence, and investigations are already underway to identify and apprehend those involved. Authorities have assured the public that all legal mechanisms will be employed to bring perpetrators to justice and recover any funds collected unlawfully.
Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the Ministry and the Board of Internal Revenue by verifying all requests for payment and refusing to make any transactions outside the officially approved channels. The Ministry also reminded the public that environmental levies, when properly collected, contribute to vital public services and environmental sustainability initiatives across the state.
The government reiterated its commitment to improving service delivery and enforcing strict compliance with state laws in all areas of public administration. By issuing this announcement, the Ministry of Environment aims to protect both the government’s revenue base and the interests of Bayelsa citizens and businesses who rely on legitimate and transparent governance.
The statement from Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo serves as a strong warning to fraudsters and an appeal to the public to remain cautious, informed, and supportive of government efforts to curb corruption and uphold the rule of law in Bayelsa State.
