The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on the youth of Nigeria to come together, unite, and confront the challenge of corruption.
In his speech to the youth gathered at the Commission’s office in Lagos on Thursday for the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day event, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the importance of collective action.
The event was themed, “Uniting the Youths Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
Represented by Michael Wetkas, Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Olukoyede discussed the negative impact of practices like nepotism, favoritism, and partisan biases that skew opportunities for a select few.
He urged young people to form clubs, associations, and think tanks dedicated to promoting integrity and good values. He also encouraged participation in platforms such as the EFCC Integrity Club for primary and secondary schools, and the Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions.
Wetkas also reiterated the Commission’s ongoing commitment to combating cybercrime and corruption.
He said, “Cybercrime is not just destroying lives; it is sinking our country’s image locally and internationally. If we don’t change the narrative, we risk extinction as a nation. Our future depends on the decisions we make today.”
Wetkas warned that Nigeria’s international reputation is under severe threat, with the country currently on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
“The world is watching us closely,” he explained. “If we fail to act, we risk being blacklisted, which will have grave consequences for our economy and global standing.”
The EFCC revealed disturbing statistics from a recent operation in Lagos, where officials raided a hotel and arrested over 200 individuals involved in cybercrime and drug abuse. Wetkas disclosed that of the 116 people taken into custody, 78% were secondary school students, and only 20.8% had attended tertiary institutions.
“These are children as young as 18 or 19, wasting their lives,” he said. “Some were so intoxicated they didn’t even realise we were standing in front of them. This is the future of our country, and it’s slipping away.”
He added that 64.1% of those arrested were living with their parents, while 76.4% were unemployed. “Many of these young people support their families through criminal activities,” Wetkas stated. “Sadly, 61% of their parents are aware of this. If you condone a child’s wrongdoing at home, one day, that child will steal from you.”
Wetkas also shared a case involving a 19-year-old who impersonated Nigerian musician Flavour to scam an American client out of $30,000. He lamented, “Incidents like this tarnish our international reputation and make it harder for Nigerians to gain trust abroad.”
The EFCC further called on parents, schools, and communities to actively address the root causes of criminal behavior among young people. Wetkas encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and support the Commission’s efforts in combating corruption and crime.
“Seventy per cent of respondents admitted they joined cybercrime for financial gain,” he said. “This isn’t just about poverty; it’s about misplaced priorities and values.”
He acknowledged an incident during the Lagos raid where an EFCC officer slapped a hotel staff member.
“The officer acted out of anger, which is against our rules of engagement. He was detained and punished according to our internal procedures,” Wetkas clarified. “We are committed to fighting crime, but we will not condone unprofessional conduct from our officers.”