Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , has expressed appreciation to the media and the Civil Society Organisations for their support in the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, seeking a deeper collaboration from the groups to achieve greater results.
Zonal Director, EFCC, Enugu Zonal Directorate, CE Daniel Isei, gave the commendation and made the appeal, Thursday ,in his speech during the opening of a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop for the Media & CSOs organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC at the EFCC Enugu Zonal office ,Enugu..
Enugu Zonal director, Isei speaking on the activities of the EFCC
He also thanked the groups for their support, collaboration, and commitment to the ideals of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service..
The Zonal director said the gathering was both timely and significant,adding that it brings together two of their most valued partners in the fight against economic and financial crimes; the media and CSOs.
Faruk Abdullahi , head,Legal & Prosecution
EFCC top management staff at the workshop
He said, “the media is a veritable watchdog of our democracy. Through investigative reporting, you expose corruption, demand transparency, and inform citizens about the progress, or setback in our collective effort to build a more accountable nation. Your work has often provided the spark that ignites public action and policy reform”.
On CSOs he said, “Civil Society Organizations, on the other hand, amplify the voice of the people. You mobilize communities, shape public opinion, and hold institutions accountable. Your advocacy has helped to strengthen anti-corruption laws, promote civic participation, and protect whistleblowers
Participants at the workshop
“It is in recognition of this shared responsibility that the EFCC continues to build and nurture a strong relationship with both strong institutions. Together, we form a crucial triangle of trust, each side reinforcing the other to create a more transparent and just society.”, Isei said.
According to him, “the workshop provides an opportunity for open dialogue, to exchange ideas, clarify expectations, and strengthen the frameworks that guide our cooperation. It is through such engagements that we can continue to refine our approaches and build a stronger, more united front against corruption.”
Appreciating the groups for their support to the EFCC, the Zonal Director said, the commission had over the years, seen the tangible impact of it’s collaboration.
“Many of the Commission’s landmark investigations and public sensitization campaigns have benefited from the intelligence and information provided by the media and CSOs.
Some participants at the workshop
“You have alerted about suspicious financial activities, abuse of office, and patterns of fraud within both public and private institutions. You have helped us to identify gaps in governance and to push for reforms that make corruption more difficult and costly.
“These contributions have not gone unnoticed. The EFCC values the partnership we have built, and today’s workshop is a reaffirmation of our commitment to deepen that relationship. We see you not merely as observers or critics, but as partners in progress; partners whose insights and networks enhance the reach and effectiveness of our mandate,” he said..
Appealing for more collaborations with the EFCC, Isei said, “as corruption continues to evolve, so must our strategies. New technologies, global financial systems, and cross-border crimes have made illicit financial flows more complex. The EFCC cannot combat these challenges in isolation. We rely on your vigilance, networks, and courage to continue to provide credible intelligence that helps us act swiftly and effective
“Intelligence sharing remains one of the most critical areas of our partnership. Information is power and in the fight against corruption, timely and accurate information can make the difference between success and failure. We encourage the media and CSOs to continue to share actionable intelligence with the Commission”,the Zonal Director said .
He assured that the EFCC remains committed to protecting the identity and safety of those who provide credible information.
” We have strengthened our mechanisms for handling whistleblower reports and for ensuring that sources are treated with confidentiality and respect.
Some participants at the workshop
“By working together. and coordinating our efforts, we can close the gaps that corrupt individuals exploit, and ensure that stolen wealth is traced, recovered, and returned for the benefit of all Nigerians. Together, we can-and we will—build a future where transparency is not an exception, but the norm³ he said .
There were Paper presentations on “Prosecuting financial crimes, issues ,challenges and the way forward” by ACEI Faruk Abdullahi, Head, Legal and Prosecution department; “The roles of CSOs and media in driving preventive framework by DCE Dele Oyewale, Head, media and publicity unit of PAD, as well as ” Understanding Crypto-currency fraud and other emerging financial crimes by CSE Stephen Idoko, Head ,Economic Governance/STF, Enugu.
Participants were drawn from various media organisations and Civil Society Organisations.
Idoko during his presentation
In his presentation on “Understanding Crypto-currency fraud and other emerging financial crimes , CSE Stephen Idoko, Head ,Economic Governance/STF, Enugu.warned members of the public against getting involved in investment scams and Ponzi schemes ,where fraudsters lure victims with promises of unrealistic returns.
On his part , head of Legal and Prosecution, Faruk Abdullahi In his paper entitled , “Prosecuting financial crimes, issues ,challenges and the way forward”, called for effective prosecution processes . He said Prosecutors should do their jobs and ensure that individuals are held accountable for their crimes.
Head of Media and publicity ,Oyewale ,presenting his paper.
He decried challenges affecting effective prosecution of financial crimes, noting that impunity, mostly by government appointees, , immunity, slow judicial process, security challenges, language barrier, robust anti-corruption agencies affect effective prosecution of financial crimes. He called for enactment of whistle blowing law to help strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes.
On the role of CSOs and the media in driving preventive framework , DCE Dele Oyewale, Head, media and publicity unit of PAD, expressed the need for public ownership of the fight against corruption by bringing the anti- corruption fight to the people at the grassroots.
Oyewale urged media practitioners to disseminate the right information to the people and the CSOs to design a framework where people can be sensitised on the fight against corruption.
The Head of media and publicity also urged that whistle blowing should go beyond expectation of reward. He expressed the need for constant collaboration between the media, the CSOs and the EFCC.
Participants who spoke with Newsline Globally, commended EFCC for the workshop. They described it as a welcome development, assuring a greater partnership with the EFCC in fighting against economic and financial crimes.
