President Bola Tinubu has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to continue battling online crimes and other forms of corruption.

At a one-day public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption in Abuja on Wednesday, 31st January 2024, he delivered the charge through Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

The event also marked the start of the EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

He stated that the alarming spread of cybercrimes has been a problem and a stain on the country’s reputation, and the EFCC has to make every effort to address it more directly.

“Our country is not a nation of fraudsters,” he declared, adding that it is unfair, untenable, and immoral for cyber crimes to be disparaged internationally as the “Nigerian scam.” Cybercrimes occur all over the world. The internet governs the modern world in real-time.

“The Internet is necessary for enterprises, institutions, government, and even private personal concerns.”

Thus, the rest of the globe is at risk of cybercriminals. That’s the reason why fighting evil requires all of our might and resources. 

He said, “I want to reassure the EFCC that the Government will continue to offer its support in its quest to kill the dragon that has become an internet offender.”

Shettima continued, “The Federal Government is determined to take strong action against corruption,” while speaking on behalf of the President.

He stated, “We cannot prioritize development and progress while simultaneously providing room for unethical behavior.”  

No country can advance without severing the bonds of corruption. The EFCC has received the proper instructions to carry out its duties without taking into account any other factors. 

Our Government’s agenda of Renewed Hope is immune to corruption. Nigeria needs all of us working together to steer it in a new direction.

“We are aware of all the foul cries and unwarranted accusations against the lawful efforts of the Commission to bring fraudsters to book.” 

“We cannot fold our hands and watch our youths descend into morbid criminalities”.

 The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, in his remark, urged the EFCC to intensify its preventive method, which according to him, is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes.

“I think that concentrated efforts should be channeled towards the preventive aspect of the commission’s mandate, as it is easier and less expensive to prevent online crimes,” stated Fagbemi. 

The Commission’s mandate goes beyond looking into and prosecuting financial crimes, which it has been actively doing for years. 

Adequate preventive measures will result in a significant reduction in the cost of investigating and prosecuting all types of financial crimes.

A wide range of traditional and political leaders, including those from youth organizations, academia, civil society organizations, anti-corruption agencies, and youth groups, attended the event, which featured the relaunch and unveiling of the EFCC’s Interfaith Manuals and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs.

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