The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for a strengthened partnership with media organisations and civil society groups to improve anti-corruption outcomes and deepen public awareness of financial crimes. The appeal was made by senior EFCC officials during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja on Monday October 13th
EFCC spokespeople said that the Commission needs the reach and investigative depth of independent journalists and the watchdog capacity of civil society to expose complex financial malfeasance and ensure that prosecutorial processes are well understood by the public. They urged newsrooms and non-governmental organisations to collaborate on investigative projects, data-sharing and community education campaigns that demystify financial crime indicators for ordinary citizens.
Media leaders at the event welcomed the call but stressed the need for clear protocols on information handling, protection of sources, and timely briefings to avoid misinformation. Civil society representatives urged the EFCC to be more transparent about case progress and to protect whistleblowers. Both groups said partnership should be two-way — with EFCC making information accessible while partners commit to responsible reporting and safeguarding due process.
The EFCC committed to setting up a formal liaison desk to fast-track requests from accredited civil society organisations and media houses, and announced plans for joint training workshops to raise investigative and forensic journalism capacity. The partnership, organisers said, aims to reduce impunity, increase conviction rates and build public confidence in anti-graft institutions.
