EFCC, CCC to Boost Anti-Corruption Awareness, Foster Public Trust
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) to spearhead advocacy campaigns aimed at engaging the public and shaping perceptions regarding the anti-corruption drives.
The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, expressed this commitment during a courtesy visit from the CCC management team at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mr. Olukoyede commended the CCC for fostering synergies among security agencies through effective strategic communication, highlighting the vital role of information management in bolstering national security.
He voiced concerns about the pervasive corruption infiltrating public service, which he noted has inflicted severe socio-economic challenges and stymied Nigeria’s developmental goals. “I assure you that, with the support of relevant stakeholders, once corruption is tackled, the issue of underdevelopment in Nigeria will quickly become a thing of the past,” he stated.
The EFCC chairman also addressed the escalating trend of misinformation and deliberate smear campaigns directed at the Commission, particularly regarding high-profile cases. He emphasized that the EFCC has adopted an enhanced operational framework prioritizing proactive measures to prevent financial crimes, rather than relying solely on prosecutions.
“We have established a Directorate of Fund Risk Assessment and Control to track public funds and prevent embezzlement before it occurs,” he added.
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Mr. Olukoyede underscored that the Commission’s operations are now intelligence-driven, citing the recent arrest of a cybercrime syndicate in Lagos, which involved 792 suspects, including over 180 foreigners—marking one of the largest single cybercrime busts in Nigeria’s history. He also mentioned a similar successful operation conducted in Abuja.
In his remarks, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Chairman of the CCC, praised the EFCC for its renewed vigor in combating corruption, particularly in high-profile cases. He noted that the Commission’s efforts have significantly contributed to promoting accountability and transparency within the public sector.
Mr. Olukolade urged the EFCC to enhance its strategic communication initiatives, emphasizing the importance of shaping public perception and countering misinformation. “The recent smear campaigns against the EFCC are tactics employed by corrupt individuals to undermine your resolve. You must not allow them to succeed,” he advised.
Reiterating the CCC’s commitment to collaborating with the EFCC, he pledged support for advocacy campaigns, capacity-building training, and crisis communication strategies to deepen public understanding of the agency’s work.
In response, Mr. Olukoyede expressed optimism about the partnership, reiterating the EFCC’s commitment to harnessing all available resources to effectively combat corruption.
Established in 2015, the CCC serves as the secretariat for the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA). This non-governmental organization is dedicated to enhancing crisis communication and management in Nigeria through training workshops, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, ultimately improving information dissemination during crises, conflicts, and emergencies.
By PRNigeria
