EFCC highlights collaboration as key to combating graft

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has emphasised the critical role of collaboration with stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption and fraud.

This was revealed in a statement on Friday by the anti-graft agency.

Speaking at Benson Idahosa University in Benin City on November 19, 2025, during the International Fraud Awareness Week, Olukoyede stated, “It is indeed pleasing that at this critical time in our history as a nation, the prestigious citadel of learning is emphasizing collaboration and reporting as effective tools in the fight against fraud.”

He further highlighted the successes achieved through joint efforts, noting, “The benefits of collaboration are not one dimensional. The foreign law enforcement agencies have equally received support from the Commission in tackling some transnational crimes. In a number of instances, some perpetrators of fraud in the US who returned to Nigeria to escape prosecution have been arrested and extradited to the US to face trial.”

Olukoyede also mentioned the deportation of 192 foreigners involved in cybercrime as a tangible achievement of inter-agency cooperation, involving the EFCC and Nigeria Immigration Service.

He pointed out the importance of educational initiatives, revealing that collaboration with school authorities has led to the establishment of Tolerance and Integrity Clubs in various institutions, aimed at instilling values of honesty, discipline, and patriotism among young Nigerians.

The EFCC boss urged students to shun internet fraud and to report suspicious activities, saying, “We will continue to encourage citizens to take advantage of the whistleblowing policy and to share corruption-related information with law enforcement agencies.”

Professor Rosemary O. Obasi, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, praised the EFCC for its enlightenment efforts, acknowledging the growing concern over youth involvement in fraudulent activities and the importance of promoting ethical conduct among the younger generation.