The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed the reason behind the stricter visa restrictions Nigerians encounter.
According to him, internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage are major reasons Nigerians face increasing difficulties in securing visas to other countries.
Olukoyede made this known in statement ion Tuesday after an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), where he called on young people to resist the lure of financial crimes that he described as a deadly trap.
Represented by Chief Superintendent,EFCC,Coker Oyegunle, Olukoyede who spoke on the theme, “Uniting South-South Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Human Trafficking and Economic Sabotage,”
warned that while fraud may appear to offer “easy money,” it ultimately leads to shame, imprisonment, and lost opportunities.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he said.
The Chairman “highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.”
Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that “the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
Olukoyede urged Nigerian youths to channel their creativity into positive ventures. “Nigeria’s strength lies in its young population: Youths are the engine of our nation. If you choose fraud, you are choosing to destroy your tomorrow.”
“But if you choose creativity, innovation and honesty, you are building a Nigeria that will compete with the best in the world,” he said.
