The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has announced plans to strengthen collaboration with the media and Civil Society Organisations to combat economic and financial crimes in the country.
The Executive Chairman of the commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, made this remark at a one-day sensitisation workshop for Civil Society Organisations and the media, held at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate on Thursday.
Represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Kano Zonal Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi, Olukoyede stated that this measure is necessary as the fight against corruption is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust and shared intelligence.
“The aim to achieve from this workshop is to build and deepen a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the EFCC and your esteemed organisations.”
Olukoyede declared that “our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.”
He pointed out that the choice of CSOs and Journalists is both deliberate and strategic as they are not merely observers in the socio-economic landscape of our nation.
“You are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry.
Journalists, on the other hand, wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption often thrives.
Together, you are indispensable allies in the fight to safeguard our economy and our collective future,” he declared.
He noted that the workshop aimed to educate and inform participants on understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes, as well as to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes–challenges we face and how to come together and find a better way forward to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes, including corruption.
He observed that the world is witnessing a dramatic transformation from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, hence the need to educate participants on the evolving threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.
He further stated that the workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of CSOs and journalists on the legal and procedural complexities of prosecuting financial crimes.
“The workshop will also facilitate a strategic partnership between the EFCC, CSOs, and the media in promoting a preventative and citizen-driven approach to combating corruption,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of enlightening participants on emerging threats, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, to equip them with the knowledge to understand and report on these modern crimes.
The workshop was attended by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Kano State Council, and members of various Civil Society Organisations operating in the state.
Earlier, EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service had agreed to strengthen their collaboration against money laundering, smuggling, and other economic crimes.
The workshop will also contribute significantly to fostering a strategic partnership between the EFCC, CSOs, and the media in promoting a preventative and citizen-driven approach to combating corruption,“ he added.
He highlighted the importance of enlightening participants on emerging threats, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, equipping them with the knowledge to understand and report on these modern crimes.
The workshop was attended by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Kano State Council, and members of various Civil Society Organisations operating in the state. Earlier, EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service had resolved to deepen their collaboration against money laundering, smuggling, and other economic crimes.
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