The National Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor the management of funds allocated to local government areas across the country, following the recent grant of financial autonomy to these tiers of government.

During a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 6, 2025, NCYP Chairman Isaac Abrak emphasized the importance of proper financial oversight to ensure that these funds are utilized effectively for development at the grassroots level.

“We come from the grassroots, we know what’s going on in the local government,” Mr. Abrak said.

“We believe that proper monitoring of the management of resources is crucial to accelerate growth, reduce poverty, and bring development to these areas.”

Mr. Abrak commended EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his leadership and achievements, particularly the successful prosecution of the P&ID case.

He also expressed concern about the rising involvement of youths in cybercrime in the Northern part of Nigeria and urged the EFCC to intensify its efforts to combat this issue.

In response, Mr. Olukoyede welcomed the NCYP’s call for collaboration and emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in all endeavors.

“Doing the right thing has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or a Muslim,” he said.

“Let’s continue to operate as people of integrity irrespective of our faith.”

Mr. Olukoyede also acknowledged the importance of monitoring funds allocated to local governments. “There is a need for us to monitor allocations going to the grassroots and we have started that already,” he said.

“We have a department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control that is closely monitoring and tracking payments, contracts, and other releases to ensure that funds are expended on what they are meant for.”