Nigerian Press Council seeks partnership with EFCC in anti-corruption campaign
The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has sought closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes in the country.
The call was made on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah, and members of the council’s top management team to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, Ezughah commended the anti-graft agency for its commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance, describing the EFCC as a strategic national institution that has played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
He also praised the commission’s engagement with the media and stressed the importance of a free, responsible and ethical press in promoting public accountability. According to him, the council is seeking a mutually beneficial and enduring partnership with the EFCC.
“The Nigerian Press Council regards the EFCC as a strategic national institution whose unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s fight against corruption. We look forward to building a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship with the Commission,” Ezughah said.
He proposed several areas of collaboration, including joint capacity-building programmes for journalists, public enlightenment campaigns on economic crimes, structured information-sharing channels, as well as research and advocacy initiatives to promote media ethics and accountability. He also highlighted challenges facing the council, including the absence of a permanent headquarters and operational vehicles, which he said had hampered its activities and stakeholder engagement.
Responding on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the commission’s Secretary, Muhammad Hammajoda, welcomed the proposal and assured the delegation that its requests and recommendations would be conveyed to the chairman.
He described the Nigerian press as one of the EFCC’s most critical stakeholders and urged the Press Council to remain steadfast in enforcing professional and ethical standards, particularly amid the growing influence of unregulated new media.
