The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians to embrace a culture of accountability and transparency as a way to permanently eradicate corruption in the country.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukayode, made the appeal at the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), held in Effurun, Delta State. He was represented by Mr. Williams Oseghale, an Assistant Commander and Head of Public Affairs at the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
In his keynote address, Olukayode emphasized that good governance could only be achieved when citizens play their roles responsibly.
“The onus is on us as individuals to be accountable, transparent, and committed to due process,” he said.
“Every major challenge facing Nigeria’s socio-economic development today can be traced to the consequences of corruption—from unemployment and insecurity to poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment. Mismanagement, misapplication, and embezzlement of public resources are at the root of these problems.”
He described it as troubling that Nigeria is often perceived as a country with entrenched corruption and impunity, and urged the media to change that narrative by prioritizing anti-corruption advocacy rather than glamorizing corrupt individuals.
“Media practitioners should use their platforms to expose fraudulent activities, hold leaders accountable, and emulate the pioneering journalists who stood firmly against social injustice,” Olukayode added.
He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to fighting corruption and economic crimes, commending ACSPN for highlighting the role of the media in promoting good governance.
ACSPN National President, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, noted that corruption in Nigeria is both “petty” and “grand,” cutting across ordinary citizens, politicians, and business elites. He stressed that corruption hinders economic growth, scares away investors, degrades infrastructure, and undermines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He urged communication scholars and practitioners to intensify their watchdog role, amplify anti-corruption campaigns, and demand accountability from leaders.
Prof. Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, called on participants to engage courageously, noting that “knowledge creation in this field can move the anti-corruption fight from the streets to deeper understanding, with the potential to break or at least weaken the vicious cycle of corruption.”
The conference, sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), drew prominent scholars and professionals including Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, Prof. Daniel Awodiya, Prof. G.G. Darah, Prof. Ayobami Ojebode, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Dr. Kayode Okunade, and Prof. Stella Okunna.