To Combat Cybercrime, Tinubu Promises to Support EFCC

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu promised to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission more in order to strengthen its ability to address digital offenses.

He expressed his disapproval of the “mislabelling and blanket stereotyping” of Nigeria as the nation with the greatest rate of cybercrime and other corrupt activities among its citizens.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has criticized the labelling and stereotyping of Nigerians over cybercrimes during a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption.

He emphasized the importance of combating internet crimes and other forms of corruption, stating that such stereotypes undermine the integrity and diligence of the majority of citizens.

President Tinubu assured the anti-graft agency of the government’s support in its quest to combat digital offenses and emphasized the need for an atmosphere steeped in trust and integrity. He emphasized the need for open communication channels and law enforcement actions that align with justice and accountability.

He also criticized the lack of statistical proof linking the entire Nigerian populace to internet crimes, stating that Nigerians are meticulous and authentic citizens who have made significant contributions to various fields of endeavors worldwide. The event, organized by the EFCC, is a multi-dimensional stakeholders’ involvement in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

Delivering his speech titled, ‘Youth, Religion, and Our Battle Against Corruption: A Call to Action,’ Tinubu stated, “Over the decades, Nigerians have been victims of mislabelling. Such gross misrepresentation fails to reflect the true essence of our diverse and resilient nation.

“The association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace lacks statistical evidence and does not align with the sociology of everyday Nigerians. Our nation comprises hardworking, honest citizens who contribute significantly to various fields globally, from Artificial Intelligence to medicine.

“While we reject blanket stereotyping that undermines the majority upholding principles of integrity and diligence, we must face the fact that we function in an interconnected world where cybercrimes have evolved into a global phenomenon. This poses a threat not only to our nation but to the entire world.”

He applauded the EFCC for “remaining a moral compass, persistently rousing the nation’s conscience,” saying through its operations, the commission has remained vocal in “telling the world that Nigeria is neither complicit nor complacent in confronting the menace of corruption”.

Nigerian President Tinubu has urged Nigerian youth to seize the opportunities available for lawful enterprises both within and outside the country. The government has established a Students Loan Board to address financial needs and disincentivize criminality.

The initiative, set to begin in January, encourages youth to seize these opportunities and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. President Tinubu also praised the EFCC’s efforts to tackle corruption through the Inter-Faith and Fraud Risk Assessment Projects, highlighting the potential of religion as a tool for ethical reformation.

He urged religious leaders to champion the anti-corruption cause. The Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the importance of engaging diverse faith communities in the fight against corruption.

Olukoyede also lamented the involvement of religious organizations in illicit activities, including money laundering. He urged leaders to partner with the commission and promote messages glorifying integrity, honesty, and hard work. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the importance of prioritizing preventive measures in the renewed fight against corruption.

Daniel Okoh, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, all made separate speeches praising President Tinubu and the EFCC management for the administration’s declared commitment to combating corruption in Nigeria.

In attendance were representatives of the Senate President, Sen. Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption; Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Prof. Lilian Salami, Chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities; John Momoh, Chairman of Channels TV; Babatunde Fashola, Former Minister of Works & Housing; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar; and several other heads of government agencies and parastatals.