FACT-CHECK: FG Not Giving Out N3 Million Grant To Nigerians

VERDICT: False

CLAIM:

On Tuesday October 27, 2020, fact-checkers at Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) spotted a WhatsApp message shared across many groups.

The message claimed that the Federal Government is giving out N3 million in grant to interested Nigerians.

According to the message, interested Nigerians are expected to click on the linkprovided for further details and registration.

The message read in parts: “Don’t miss the Federal Government’s 3 million grants. It takes few seconds to apply. Don’t miss this great opportunity apply here”.

FACT:

Investigations carried out by fact checkers at the CDD show that the claim is false and an internet scam by fraudsters. Fraudsters normally use this method to lure unsuspecting Nigerians to apply for such offers and end up duping them.

Further verifications by CDD show that the information provided is very suspicious; upon registration, interested participants are required to share the same link with others in order to complete the registration process.

The Centre also found out that the website is not genuine or owned by any of the government agencies like that of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Micro or Agro loan.

Furthermore, an analysis on the link and website shows that not a single credible information is on the page.

Also, in the past, the CDD had fact-checked several internet scam attempts by fraudsters who leverage on the naivety of many Nigerians to  defraud them.

On April 21, 2020, CDD fact-checked a claim from a WhatsApp broadcastcontaining a link to a Google form with the title ‘Relief Disbursement Collation Form’ for verification by members of the public.

The Google form requested that interested applicants fill their personal details including their residential address and bank account numbers in expectation of relief fund from the FG. The claim for relief disbursement was found to be false.

Also, on June 14, 2020, CDD fact-check another WhatsApp message claiming that the Federal Government has approved N30,000 as a palliative for every Nigerian.

The claim, also found to be false said the fund will serve as relief for the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the country.

CONCLUSION:

The WhatsApp broadcast claiming that Federal Government is giving N3 million as grant to Nigerians who apply is false and misleading.

CDD is urging Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of stories before sharing them.

You can forward suspicious messages for verification via +2349062910568 or contact us on twitter @CDDWestAfrica

#StopFakeNews #StopDisinformation

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

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