The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening travel restrictions for Nigerians, making it harder for innocent citizens to secure visas abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning through Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, during an event held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday. The programme was organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, and the commission issued a statement about it on Tuesday.
Olukoyede explained that cybercrime, money laundering, and other forms of economic sabotage drain Nigeria of billions of naira every year. He said these crimes slow down development, limit job creation, and damage the country’s image internationally. According to him, this poor reputation has made foreign governments impose tighter visa rules on Nigerians, even those with no link to fraud.
The EFCC boss urged young people to turn their energy toward productive areas like agriculture, digital innovation, business, and the creative sector instead of internet scams. He cautioned that fraud offers no lasting reward and often leads to prison, damaged reputations, and ruined futures, noting that online footprints always remain as evidence.
He also restated the commission’s plan to strengthen awareness campaigns, increase enforcement, and work with local communities to reduce cybercrime.
This warning comes shortly after the United States reduced the validity of certain Nigerian non-immigrant visas, including student, business, tourism, and exchange visas, cutting them to single entry and limiting them to just three months.