Zamfara Governor: I’m Not Afraid of the EFCC

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that he is not intimidated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stressing that public officials should embrace accountability and transparency in their roles.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Cybercrimes Summit, organized by the EFCC in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Lawal reaffirmed his commitment to good governance.

“I am not scared of the EFCC. Why should I be? We are here to serve, and this is the way forward. Leaders should be accountable and transparent—that is the essence of leadership,” Lawal stated.

The governor also addressed a lawsuit reportedly filed by some of his fellow governors against the EFCC, clarifying that he was unaware of the legal action but reiterated his support for the agency’s efforts.

“I’m hearing about this lawsuit for the first time, and I cannot comment on something I don’t know. However, my presence here today demonstrates my support for the EFCC, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges related to cybercrime,” he added.

Lawal emphasized the importance of working collaboratively to restore Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. “This is an opportunity to tackle cybercrime, and we must seize it to redeem Nigeria’s image within the international community. As governor, I am committed to supporting efforts to eradicate cybercrime,” he pledged.

Danladi Plang, Head of the Programme at International IDEA, also spoke at the event, highlighting the rise in cybercrime due to increased reliance on technology. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population, skilled in digital technologies, has sometimes used these abilities for criminal purposes, such as digital financial fraud and child pornography, which have damaged the country’s reputation and financial systems.

While praising the efforts of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime, Plang urged a shift in strategy. “We need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction, and imprisonment. Instead, we should explore alternative ways to channel the energy and skills of young people into legitimate opportunities, which would help prevent cybercrime while providing them with better prospects,” he advised.