By Sunday Apah
The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has requested closer cooperation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling corruption as well as economic and financial crimes.
The appeal was presented on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, when the Council’s Executive Secretary, Dr Dili Ezughah, led a senior management delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters.
Dr Ezughah praised the Commission for its productive media engagement and its steadfast dedication to transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance.
He observed that this dedication has made a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Describing the EFCC as a strategic national institution, he expressed gratitude for the Commission’s professional dealings with journalists and stressed the vital role of a free, responsible and ethical press in advancing public accountability.
He also voiced the Council’s desire to establish a mutually beneficial and lasting partnership with the EFCC.
In his remarks, Dr Ezughah stated: “The Nigerian Press Council regards the EFCC as a strategic national institution whose unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
We also commend the Commission’s commitment to engaging the media professionally and its recognition of the important role of a free, responsible and ethical press in promoting public accountability.
We look forward to building a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship with the Commission.”
He suggested several areas for joint work, including shared capacity-building programmes for journalists, coordinated public awareness campaigns on economic crimes, formal channels for information exchange, and collaborative research and advocacy aimed at strengthening media ethics and accountability.
Such cooperation, he said, would increase public trust in the anti-corruption drive and encourage more responsible journalism.
Dr Ezughah also highlighted practical difficulties facing the Council, notably the lack of a permanent headquarters and operational vehicles.
These shortcomings, he explained, have reduced operational efficiency, limited stakeholder engagement and constrained training activities.
Responding on behalf of EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Secretary to the Commission Muhammad Hammajoda welcomed the visit and promised to convey the Council’s positions to the Chairman.
“I want to assure you that we are delighted with this visit. I have noted all you said and I wish to assure you that your positions will be duly communicated to the Executive Chairman,” he said.
Hammajoda acknowledged the NPC’s important function in upholding professional standards and ethical practice within the media.
He stated: “I wish to appreciate you all for the sacred role you play in upholding press standards and fostering a harmonious relationship between the media and members of the public, as well as in monitoring the activities of the press with the view of ensuring media houses’ compliance with the code of professional and ethical conduct.
“I wish to state here that we hold the press in high esteem as one of our critical stakeholders. Indeed, the Nigerian press has been an indispensable partner in our successes as a Commission and I wish to assure you that we relish the cordial relationship and have been doing our utmost to sustain it.”
He encouraged the Council to intensify its efforts, noting that the growth of unregulated new media has made its responsibilities more demanding. “I wish to emphasise that yours is an onerous task, especially with the unregulated proliferation of the new media. The increasing expansion of the media space can only mean more work, focus and dedication from you.”
Hammajoda reaffirmed the EFCC’s readiness to work with the NPC in support of the anti-corruption campaign, adding: “We value collaboration, being one of our core values. And will collaborate with you.”
