Collaboration vital to success against corruption, EFCC tells media, CSOs at workshop
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has emphasized that collaboration and a deep understanding of the challenges in fighting corruption are essential for success. This message was delivered by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the EFCC-Media/Civil Society Organisations Capacity-Building Workshop held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Represented by the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Commander CE Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede highlighted the crucial role of the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) in exposing economic and financial crimes. Uwujaren described them as “like the right and left ears of the same horse,” working together to uphold integrity across Nigeria.
The workshop addressed operational, legal, and media-related issues to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the EFCC’s work and increase public appreciation of the Commission’s anti-corruption efforts. Olukoyede stressed the importance of media and CSOs in driving the Commission’s preventive framework aimed at stopping corruption before it happens.
“Our commitment to engaging stakeholders is unwavering. Public ownership of the fight against corruption remains the most effective way to sustain progress,” Olukoyede said. He added that while corruption will resist, the Commission remains resolute in its mission.
Dr. Ben Ubi, Director in the EFCC’s Legal and Prosecution Department, highlighted the Commission’s role in helping Nigeria avoid being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He credited the EFCC’s persistent efforts with improving the country’s standing in global financial crime controls.
On emerging financial threats, Sam Agbi Enahoro from the EFCC’s Cybercrime Section warned stakeholders to be cautious about cryptocurrency fraud and risky online schemes. “If it is too good to be true, please don’t do it,” he advised, outlining the technical risks involved in such transactions.
Deputy Commander and Head of Media and Publicity, DCE Dele Oyewale, called on the media and CSOs to support the EFCC’s preventive anti-corruption framework, noting that preventing theft is far more effective than attempting asset recovery after the fact.
Closing the event, EFCC Chief of Staff CE Michael Nzekwe thanked the media and civil society for their vital roles and urged them to prioritize the nation and the Commission amid ongoing challenges.
