The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen collaboration with the Commission in the ongoing battle against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made the call during a capacity-building workshop for journalists and CSOs held in Lagos. He highlighted the crucial role of the media and civil society as watchdogs, capable of shaping public perception and driving accountability through their work.
Represented by the Acting Director of the Commission, Mr. Adebayo Adeniyi, Olukoyede 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 global experience had shown that synergy among anti-corruption agencies, the media, and CSOs was key to promoting transparency and good governance.
The EFCC chairman commended journalists and CSOs for their longstanding support through advocacy and investigative reporting, which he said had helped sustain national awareness of anti-corruption initiatives. He recalled that the Commission launched its Specialised Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting in 2022 to strengthen journalists’ expertise and has now expanded it to include civil society groups to promote inclusiveness and civic engagement.
Highlighting Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a hotspot for economic crimes such as forex scams, property fraud, and business email compromise, Olukoyede stressed the importance of public enlightenment to protect citizens from fraudulent schemes. “We must work together to intensify public education. The media and CSOs must remain at the forefront of promoting integrity and accountability,” he said.
He maintained that the fight against corruption must not be left to the EFCC alone, describing it as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians. “The EFCC remains committed to building stronger partnerships with all stakeholders in the anti-corruption war. Together, we can build a Nigeria where integrity, accountability, and justice are not exceptions, but the norm,” he affirmed.
