The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disowned an online earning and marketing platform identified as CPM, warning Nigerians against engaging with the platform or making any form of payment to it.

The agency said it had no affiliation with CPM and dismissed circulating claims that it was involved in helping users recover funds from alleged hacking incidents linked to the platform.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar, the agency described the reports as false and misleading.

NITDA explained that it does not request or collect money from citizens for cybersecurity support, incident response, or recovery of lost funds from private platforms.

The agency’s reaction follows reports alleging that operators of the CPM platform told users their systems had been compromised and demanded additional payments to restore access and recover funds.

It also clarified that any suggestion that it was assisting the platform in exchange for payments was completely untrue.

According to the agency, such claims may indicate attempted fraud or social engineering designed to exploit victims of online investment schemes.

NITDA warned members of the public to be cautious of platforms or individuals claiming that payments are required on its behalf, stressing that no government agency operates in such a manner.

It further advised Nigerians to avoid sending additional money to any organisation promising recovery of lost investments, describing such actions as a common tactic used by online scammers.

The agency also urged users to verify any claims of official involvement through recognised communication channels and avoid sharing sensitive financial or personal information with unverified sources.

NITDA reiterated its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity awareness and protecting Nigerians from digital fraud and deceptive online activities, while encouraging the public to promptly report suspicious schemes to relevant authorities.