NPC Seeks Partnership with EFCC to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Campaign

Our Reporter 

The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has sought closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes, while promoting ethical journalism and public accountability.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah, and the Council's top management team to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking during the visit, Ezughah commended the EFCC for its commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance, describing the Commission as a strategic national institution that has made significant contributions to Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts.

He also praised the Commission's professional engagement with the media and stressed the importance of a free, responsible and ethical press in promoting public accountability.

According to him, the Council is keen on building a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship with the anti-graft agency.

To deepen the partnership, Ezughah proposed joint capacity-building programmes for journalists, collaborative public enlightenment campaigns on economic and financial crimes, structured information-sharing channels, as well as joint research and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting media ethics and accountability.

He noted that collaboration in these areas would enhance responsible journalism and strengthen public confidence in the nation's anti-corruption campaign.

The NPC Executive Secretary also highlighted challenges affecting the Council's operations, including the absence of a permanent headquarters and operational vehicles, which he said have limited its efficiency, stakeholder engagement and training activities.

Responding on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Commission's Secretary, Muhammad Hammajoda, welcomed the delegation and assured the Council that its proposals would be conveyed to the Chairman.

Hammajoda acknowledged the vital role of the Nigerian Press Council in promoting professional standards and ethical conduct within the media, describing the press as one of the EFCC's most critical stakeholders.

He said the media has remained an indispensable partner in the Commission's successes and reaffirmed the EFCC's commitment to sustaining its cordial relationship with journalists and media institutions.

He, however, urged the Council to intensify its regulatory responsibilities, noting that the rapid and largely unregulated expansion of the new media has made its mandate even more demanding.

Reiterating the Commission's commitment to partnership, Hammajoda assured the NPC of the EFCC's readiness to collaborate in advancing the fight against corruption and promoting accountability in Nigeria.