EFCC Says Internet Fraudsters Fueling Tougher Visa Restrictions on Nigerians
Abuja, Nigeria | September 17, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has linked the rising wave of internet fraud to the growing number of visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians by foreign governments.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the activities of cybercriminals, popularly called Yahoo Boys, have tarnished Nigeria’s global image and contributed to stricter travel and immigration policies.
According to him, while many hardworking Nigerians seek legitimate opportunities abroad, the fraudulent practices of a minority continue to undermine the country’s reputation. He noted that several embassies have openly expressed concerns about high incidences of cybercrime traced to Nigerian nationals, a situation that has influenced their tightening of visa processes.
Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s commitment to intensifying its clampdown on internet fraudsters through expanded surveillance, collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, and strengthened community engagement to dissuade youths from embracing cybercrime.
“The EFCC will not relent in its duty to protect Nigeria’s image globally. Internet fraud is not just a crime against individuals; it is a crime against the nation because its consequences affect our people’s ability to travel, trade, and engage globally,” he said.
The EFCC boss further appealed to parents, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to play active roles in discouraging youths from fraudulent activities, warning that the long-term effects extend beyond immediate financial losses to damaging Nigeria’s international standing.
Analysts believe that unless the menace is curbed, genuine Nigerian professionals and students could continue to face hurdles in accessing opportunities abroad, with stricter background checks and prolonged visa processing times becoming the norm.
Abuja, Nigeria | September 17, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has linked the rising wave of internet fraud to the growing number of visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians by foreign governments.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the activities of cybercriminals, popularly called Yahoo Boys, have tarnished Nigeria’s global image and contributed to stricter travel and immigration policies.
According to him, while many hardworking Nigerians seek legitimate opportunities abroad, the fraudulent practices of a minority continue to undermine the country’s reputation. He noted that several embassies have openly expressed concerns about high incidences of cybercrime traced to Nigerian nationals, a situation that has influenced their tightening of visa processes.
Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s commitment to intensifying its clampdown on internet fraudsters through expanded surveillance, collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, and strengthened community engagement to dissuade youths from embracing cybercrime.
“The EFCC will not relent in its duty to protect Nigeria’s image globally. Internet fraud is not just a crime against individuals; it is a crime against the nation because its consequences affect our people’s ability to travel, trade, and engage globally,” he said.
The EFCC boss further appealed to parents, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to play active roles in discouraging youths from fraudulent activities, warning that the long-term effects extend beyond immediate financial losses to damaging Nigeria’s international standing.
Analysts believe that unless the menace is curbed, genuine Nigerian professionals and students could continue to face hurdles in accessing opportunities abroad, with stricter background checks and prolonged visa processing times becoming the norm.
