Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside state governors, religious and traditional leaders, and the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, have expressed strong support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against cybercrime.
The endorsement followed the launch of EFCC’s 24/7 Rapid Response Desk at the National Cybercrime Prevention Summit in Abuja.
The summit, organized by the EFCC with support from the EU-funded RoLAC II, focused on alternatives to cybercrime under the theme, “Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development.” The event brought together key stakeholders, who emphasized the need for a unified front against the rising menace of cybercrimes in Nigeria.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded the EFCC’s efforts in steering youths away from cybercrime. He also highlighted the importance of a national consensus on ethical values and pledged the governors’ support for the Commission’s initiatives. “We commend the EFCC for this initiative and will continue to back efforts aimed at eradicating cybercrime,” he said.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal also lent his support, underscoring the critical role of accountability and transparency in leadership. Addressing the relevance of the EFCC’s work, he stated, “Cybercrime poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s global reputation, and we must tackle it head-on.”
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede outlined the severity of the cybercrime threat, noting the staggering global loss projections of $10.5 trillion by 2025. He stressed that cybercrime not only undermines family values but also hampers youth from achieving technological and intellectual excellence. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology for national development rather than engaging in illegal activities.
The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, also emphasized the far-reaching consequences of cybercrime, calling for a collective approach that includes parents, educators, religious leaders, and civil society. “Cybercrime is an assault on our economic stability and the future of our youth. We must address this issue head-on,” she stated.
Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at International IDEA, urged Nigeria to rethink its approach to cybercrime prevention, advocating for strategies that focus on channelling youth skills toward positive, productive endeavours.
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of EFCC’s 24/7 Rapid Response Desk, aimed at providing real-time action in tackling cybercrimes nationwide.
