The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned that the rising menace of internet fraud is worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, said cybercrime not only destroys the future of those directly involved but also damages Nigeria’s global reputation, leading to tougher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the warning in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. The commission released the statement on Tuesday.
According to him, internet fraud, money laundering, and other forms of economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, deprive citizens of infrastructure and jobs, and undermine national growth. He added that the crimes have eroded Nigeria’s image abroad and subjected many innocent citizens to stricter visa rules.
He said: “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”
Olukoyede urged Nigerian youths to redirect their energy into productive ventures such as technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry rather than cybercrime.
He also assured that the EFCC will continue its sensitisation campaigns, strengthen enforcement, and collaborate with local communities to curb the menace.
The warning comes weeks after the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas to three months with single entry.
