The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an Inter-Faith Manual aimed at helping religious leaders promote anti-corruption messages among their congregations.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, launched the manual on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), themed “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
The manual was formally unveiled by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Olukoyede said corruption and financial crimes have no religious or ethnic identity, noting that their effects are felt by Nigerians across different faiths and communities.
He explained that funds stolen from hospitals, schools and pension schemes directly affect the welfare of ordinary citizens.
According to him, religious institutions have an important role to play in preventing corruption by promoting honesty, accountability and integrity among their followers.
The EFCC chairman urged religious leaders to challenge the growing acceptance of unexplained wealth and encourage their congregations to value honest work.
He also appealed to faith communities not to shield individuals accused of corruption or portray investigations involving prominent members as attacks against their religious or ethnic groups.
Olukoyede said the EFCC was increasingly focusing on corruption prevention by reducing the opportunities and incentives that encourage financial crimes, rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecutions.
He disclosed that the manual was developed by Christian and Muslim religious leaders and contains anti-corruption themes that can be incorporated into sermons and other religious teachings.
Speaking at the event, Akume urged religious and traditional leaders to promote tolerance, peace and respect for places of worship.
He also called on community leaders to intervene early in disputes and prevent political and religious differences from escalating into violence.
