The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have announced plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at educating Nigerians on the dangers of cybercrime and promoting a culture of financial integrity.
The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, revealed this during a public lecture organized by the EFCC to commemorate the African Union Anti-Corruption Day, highlighting a concerted effort to curb the rising cases of virtual asset and investment fraud across the country.
According to Issa-Onilu, the initiative is part of NOA's broader plan to implement a comprehensive Digital Awareness Campaign across strategically selected states. The selection criteria will be based on key vulnerability indicators including the prevalence of investment fraud, youth population density, and digital risk exposure.
"The programme is designed to instill ethical entrepreneurship, foster financial responsibility, and empower young Nigerians to make informed decisions particularly those susceptible to online scams and get-rich-quick schemes," Issa-Onilu explained.
The NOA director-general also highlighted the agency's innovative AI-powered platform, CLHEEAN, which has been instrumental in enabling citizens to report crime-related information anonymously. Reports submitted through this platform are directed to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action, creating an efficient channel for public participation in fighting financial crimes.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the Commission's long-standing collaboration with NOA, particularly in public enlightenment on government initiatives and anti-corruption efforts. He urged Nigerians to support and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against financial crimes, emphasizing that public participation is crucial for success.
This partnership comes at a critical time when digital fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting vulnerable Nigerians with promises of quick wealth through dubious investment opportunities. The joint campaign aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and avoid such schemes.
The initiative aligns with recent concerns raised by the EFCC about corrupt politicians hiding looted funds in cryptocurrencies and the rising cases of internet fraud among young Nigerians. By focusing on education and awareness, both agencies hope to address the root causes of these issues rather than merely dealing with their consequences.
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