The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns that the increasing wave of internet fraud is contributing to harsher visa restrictions for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that cybercrime not only ruins the future of perpetrators but also damages Nigeria’s global reputation, thereby subjecting innocent citizens to tougher travel conditions. He was represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission noted that internet fraud, money laundering, and other forms of economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, draining resources meant for infrastructure, jobs, and development.
“Beyond the economic loss, these crimes tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad and make travel increasingly difficult for law-abiding citizens,” the statement read.
Olukoyede urged Nigerian youths to redirect their energy toward productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
He stressed: “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who embrace ‘yahoo-yahoo’ end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law always catches up, and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t ruin your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”
The EFCC boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to scaling up awareness campaigns, enforcement drives, and collaboration with communities to curb fraud.
Other agencies present at the event echoed similar warnings. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by Mathew Ewah, highlighted drug abuse as a major threat to Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime in recent months. In August, operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel in Ikorodu after days of surveillance. Items seized included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals, including two brothers, on charges ranging from advance fee fraud to possession of fraudulent documents and retention of crime proceeds. Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sentenced them after they pleaded guilty.
In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerians, reducing the validity of some non-immigrant visas to three months and limiting them to single entry. Affected categories included the B1/B2 business and tourist visas, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
The EFCC maintained that unless the trend of cybercrime is curbed, more Nigerians could face worsening restrictions when seeking opportunities abroad.
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