The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of transparency and accountability to fully eradicate corruption in the country.

EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyode made the call at the 12th annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Effurun, Delta.

The anti-graft chairman was represented at the event by Williams Oseghale, an assistant commander and head of public affairs, Benin zonal directorate of the commission.

The programme was sponsored by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private pipeline security outfit contracted by the federal government.

In his keynote address, Mr Olukoyode said that good governance could be attained if Nigerians collectively played their roles as good citizens.

“The onus is on us as individuals to be accountable, transparent, and commit to due process and procedures.

“Every challenge around Nigeria’s socio-economic development today can be traced to the consequences of corruption.

“The rising problems of unemployment, insecurity, poverty, diseases, low life expectancy, hunger, kidnappings, and others are the results of mismanagement, misapplication, and embezzlement of our resources by those entrusted with them,” he said.

The EFCC boss said it was worrisome that Nigeria was regarded as a nation with an entrenched culture of corruption and impunity in Africa.

Mr Olukoyode appealed to the media to help change the narrative by stepping up advocacy against corruption.

“Media practitioners should delve into investigative journalism and expose activities of fraudsters who defraud innocent citizens of their hard-earned monies and those in authority who use their positions to siphon public funds,” he said.

The anti-graft chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to eradicating corruption and economic and financial crimes in the country.

Mr Olukoyode urged the delegates to use the forum to set a good agenda for media practitioners in Nigeria in the quest to build a better nation.

Rotimi Olatunji, the ACSPN national president, said corruption in the country was multifaceted.

“We have the petty corruption among lower ranks and grand corruption involving high-level politicians and business elites. So, the entirety of the Nigerian society seems enmeshed in the web of corruption.

“Its corrosive effects inhibit economic growth, scare away investment, degrade infrastructure, escalate poverty and insecurity, and threaten the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

Olatunji, however, urged the media and communication researchers to step up their watchdog functions by amplifying voices against corruption and fostering accountability in governance.

In attendance were Nosa Owens-Ibie, Daniel Awodiya, G. G. Darah, Ayobami Ojebode, Paul Bebenimibo, Kayode Okunade, and Stella Okunna, among others. 

(NAN)