The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for deeper collaboration with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the appeal at a capacity-building workshop for journalists and CSOs in Lagos, stressing the crucial role both groups play as societal watchdogs.
Olukoyede, who was represented by the commission’s Acting Director, Adebayo Adeniyi, said: “Their ability to inform, educate, and mobilise public opinion is a critical asset in the fight against corruption, fraud, and other economic crimes.”
He noted that across the world, collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has proven essential in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. According to him, such synergy is even more critical in Nigeria due to the scale and complexity of financial crimes.
Olukoyede acknowledged the invaluable support the EFCC has enjoyed from the media and CSOs through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement, which he said have helped sustain public awareness of anti-corruption initiatives.
He also revealed that the commission launched a Specialised Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting in 2022 to strengthen journalists’ capacity, adding that the programme has now been expanded to include civil society groups to ensure broader civic participation.
Highlighting Lagos as the country’s commercial hub and a hotspot for crimes such as foreign exchange scams, business email compromise, and property fraud, he stressed the need for increased public sensitisation to prevent citizens from falling victim to fraudsters.
“We must work together to intensify public education. The media and CSOs must remain at the forefront of promoting integrity and accountability,” he said.
Olukoyede emphasised that the fight against corruption is a collective national responsibility and should not be left to the EFCC alone. He urged stakeholders to expose corrupt practices and hold institutions accountable.
“The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
Together, we can build a Nigeria where integrity, accountability, and justice are not exceptions, but the norm,” he added.
