Category: News

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent landmark operation that led to the arrest of 792 suspects, most of whom are foreign nationals, allegedly involved in a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment and romance scam network.

The operation, carried out on December 10, 2024, at a seven-story building in Victoria Island, Lagos, represents what CISLAC described as a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria. It also challenges the prevailing global narrative that disproportionately links Nigerians to internet fraud.

According to the EFCC, the suspects include 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two citizens of Kharzartan, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian. The syndicate is believed to have recruited and trained young Nigerians to serve as local operatives, using their identities to mask the activities of the foreign masterminds behind the operations.

Speaking on the development, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, applauded the EFCC’s efforts and professionalism. He said the arrest “underscores the Commission’s dedication to tackling cybercrime at the highest level and proves that these crimes are often orchestrated by international actors who exploit vulnerable Nigerians for their schemes.”

Rafsanjani added that the operation debunks the harmful stereotype that Nigerians are the main perpetrators of cybercrime. “What we are seeing is a transnational criminal hierarchy where foreign masterminds manipulate and discard Nigerian youth after using them to front illegal operations,” he said.

He also warned that such narratives have long damaged Nigeria’s international reputation and obscured the role of foreign actors who operate behind the scenes. “These syndicates prey on unemployed or desperate young people by offering fake job opportunities and financial incentives, only to expose them to criminal risk while remaining in the shadows.”

CISLAC urged the EFCC to carry out a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure all parties regardless of nationality are held accountable. The organization also called on the Nigerian government to increase investment in youth-focused initiatives, digital safeguards, and cyber-literacy programs aimed at reducing vulnerability to online fraud and recruitment by criminal networks.

The group emphasized that the fight against cybercrime cannot be won in isolation. In a statement, CISLAC said, “Sustainable progress in combating cybercrime requires strong institutional collaboration among key agencies such as the EFCC, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service.”

It pointed out that many foreign criminals exploit weaknesses in immigration control to enter and operate in the country illegally. “Enhanced immigration screening and proactive enforcement would prevent many of these actors from embedding themselves within local communities,” the organisation stated.

CISLAC also highlighted the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in intercepting illegal arms, equipment, and contraband used to facilitate organized crime. Strengthened border surveillance and inter-agency intelligence sharing, it said, would significantly support the EFCC in dismantling both foreign-led and locally-supported criminal syndicates.

The organization further called for deeper engagement with international partners, multilateral institutions, and credible civil society organizations. These entities, it noted, can provide “critical intelligence, credible data, and technical support that strengthen investigative and prosecutorial efforts.”

In addition to law enforcement, CISLAC emphasized the importance of media and public awareness in addressing the social dimensions of cybercrime. It noted with concern the growing number of Nigerian students abandoning their education in pursuit of “quick money” through online scams.

“The media must play a proactive role in reshaping public perception and educating young Nigerians on the long-term dangers of cybercrime,” the organization stated. It recommended nationwide awareness campaigns and youth empowerment programs as essential tools for prevention.

CISLAC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting the EFCC and other institutions working to restore Nigeria’s global image. It reiterated the need for a unified national strategy that addresses the root causes of cybercrime, promotes lawful opportunities for youth, and ensures accountability across all levels of criminal activity.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect workers, strengthen businesses in the country.

Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA’s Director-General said this during the MOU signing ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyerinde described the MOU as a momentous occasion, uniting the voice of business with civil society’s watchdog role to confront Nigeria’s pressing governance and economic challenges.

“At NECA, our role is to be the voice of organised business, to champion enterprise sustainability, decent work, economic renaissance, responsible business conduct and to advocate for a conducive business environment.

“For years, we have worked to build a prosperous Nigeria from the economic perspective.

“CISLAC, on the other hand, has masterfully championed the cause of transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights.

“You have been a crucial watchdog, ensuring that policy serves the public good.

“That is why this MoU is more than a document. It is a declaration that progress comes through collaboration.

“Together, we will be a more powerful voice for Nigeria’s renaissance,” he said.

Oyerinde added that the signing of the MoU committed both groups to champion policy reform, decent work, fair taxation, responsible business, gender equity, climate action, and the removal of bottlenecks stifling enterprise and job creation.

He, therefore, commended CISLAC’s reputation as a leading voice for good governance and reform, adding that businesses and citizens share inseparable needs for transparency, fairness, and stability.

Also, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC’, described the partnership as a covenant of trust between civil society, employers, and workers.

He said that the dignity of labour and national productivity could no longer be negotiable.

According to him, workers are not commodities, but human beings deserving fair wages, safe workplaces, and respect, adding that the undervaluing labour undermines national prosperity.

Rafsanjani said the goals of the partnership included, evidence-based policy advocacy, stronger labour rights, fair governance, health, and climate action, among others..

“We will hold power accountable, partner with the private sector, and fight for a Nigeria where dignity of work and justice in governance are protected,”he said.

Rafsanjani also warned against the rising underemployment and informal labour sector.

To change narrative, he said it required investment in education, skills, and fair workplace policies.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its deliberate commitment to building trust and safeguarding institutional integrity as it extended its Reputation Management Campaign to Zone ‘C’, Port Harcourt.

The campaign, held on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the Zone ‘C’ Headquarters auditorium, brought together officers from commands across the zone for a train-the-trainer workshop. The session was designed to equip selected officers with practical skills and strategies to embed professionalism, accountability, and transparency within their respective commands.

In his keynote address, Comptroller Chika Dim of the Eastern Marine Command applauded the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his Management Team for initiating such an innovative programme that directly connects institutional reputation with service delivery.

“Officers today are fortunate to serve under a forward-looking leadership,” he remarked. “But true success will only come from the deliberate effort we invest in protecting and managing the Service’s reputation. The Reputation Management Guide must not be seen as a document to shelve but as a compass for daily decision-making, a tool to reshape our relationship with the public and rebuild trust.”

Setting the tone earlier, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored that reputation is among the Service’s most valuable assets, though intangible. He stressed that Customs is intentional about earning and sustaining it.

“Reputation is not given; it is earned through transparency, accountability, and effective communication,” he stated. “Every officer’s conduct contributes to how the Nigeria Customs Service is perceived by the public and stakeholders.”

In her closing remarks, Comptroller Teressa Ezenwa expressed appreciation to the resource persons and participants, noting that the campaign was not just about learning but about cultivating a culture.

“Reputation is not built in a day,” she said. “It requires consistency, professionalism, patience, and respect for the values our Service stands for. This campaign reminds us that we must be intentional in how we conduct ourselves and how we serve the public.”

The event also featured interactive breakout sessions where officers worked through real-life scenarios and case studies, applying the principles of the Reputation Management Guide to everyday operational challenges.

As participants dispersed, it was evident that Zone ‘C’ had joined the growing list of Zones aligning with the Service’s renewed focus on institutional reputation, a deliberate cultural shift that the NCS leadership believes will redefine the organisation’s image in Nigeria and across the global customs community.

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has inaugurated the 15th edition of its Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course, with 33 participants drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

The Director of Training, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, while welcoming participants, he disclosed that although the Centre had expected 85 officers for Course 15/2025, only 33 nominations were received—17 for mid-level and 16 for senior-level categories. He noted that the participants were nominated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, DIA, and DHQ, but none came from sister security agencies such as the Police, Immigration, and Customs.

According to him, the course had commenced earlier in August, with modules covering agriculture, entrepreneurship, and management skills. “This is the third senior officers’ entrepreneurship and management training being conducted this year in line with NAFRC’s 2025 forecast of events,” Brig Gen Olatunji said. He explained that the training would include lectures, workshops, and study tours in collaboration with Empretec Nigeria Foundation (ENF), Lagos, and Songhai Farms in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic.

He further noted that the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, a private-sector initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), remains a key partner in the programme. Highlighting its impact, he said: “The ENF has consistently provided targeted training for the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, and our officers stand to gain immensely from this exposure.”

Also speaking at the event, Her Excellency Dr. Onari Duke, who represented ENF, described the training as a critical intervention in preparing military officers for life beyond service. She praised the Armed Forces for sustaining the programme and ensuring that officers develop skills relevant for entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable business ventures.

She revealed that the mid-level officers had already completed their first two weeks of training, which included agricultural modules and the Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW). “The ETW exercise was an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills in taking calculated risks, and one of the participants, Wg Cdr DT Ogunleye, excelled in the Ring Toss activity, winning a monetary award,” she noted.

Dr. Duke also outlined the training highlights, which include modules on leadership, profitability, project management, conflict resolution, corporate governance, and marketing strategies. “This course is designed to empower both senior and mid-level officers with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s entrepreneurial landscape,” she said. She added that the practical components, including visits to Spectra Industries, the Nigerian Conservation Centre, Commint Buka, and Songhai Farms, would give participants real-life exposure to successful enterprise models.

Declaring the course open, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, said the training underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to capacity building, welfare, and national development. He explained that the initiative was designed to expose participants to the realities of the civilian business environment while equipping them with entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

“This is not just about preparing you for retirement; it is about equipping you with the resilience, adaptability, and innovation needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business world,” he said. AVM Mamman added that over 235 senior officers have benefitted from the course since its inception, with many establishing small and medium-scale businesses. He further stressed that, unlike the pre-retirement courses, this training gives serving officers ample time to plan and strategize before leaving service.

The Commandant also revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff had approved the quarterly conduct of the course following positive feedback from earlier editions. “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” he told participants, urging them to take every phase of the training seriously and begin to develop concrete business plans. He also assured them that arrangements had been made for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to facilitate business registration processes during the programme.