EFCC Blames Internet Fraudsters, Money Launderers for Stricter Visa Restrictions on Nigerians Abroad

In a startling revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared that the rising wave of cybercrime and money laundering among Nigerians is directly fueling the stringent visa restrictions being imposed on the country’s citizens across the globe.

According to a statement released on its official X handle, the anti-graft agency lamented that the reckless actions of internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, alongside the sophisticated schemes of money launderers, have painted Nigeria in a negative light, prompting foreign governments to tighten entry requirements for law-abiding citizens.

The EFCC expressed grave concern that despite its relentless clampdown on financial crimes, the activities of a few criminal elements continue to tarnish Nigeria’s international image and jeopardize opportunities for millions of hardworking Nigerians seeking legitimate travel, education, and business prospects abroad.

The Commission urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to shun cybercrime and illicit financial practices, stressing that the consequences now extend beyond arrests and prosecutions at home, but also global stigmatization and restricted mobility.

With this latest pronouncement, the EFCC has reignited the debate on how deeply Nigeria’s battle against corruption and cybercrime is intertwined with its global reputation and the future of its citizens abroad.