In a significant step towards intensifying the fight against internet crime and enhancing the security of business transactions, Flutterwave, a leading African fintech company, has partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to establish a Cybercrime Research Center in Nigeria. The initiative, led by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, aims to provide a sustainable lifeline to youths nationwide while combating financial crimes.
The partnership was formalized on June 14, 2024, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja between Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola and EFCC Secretary Mohammadu Hammajoda. EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Flutterwave Chief Compliance Officer Mobolaji Bammeke, and Director of the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Christopher Gray, along with other senior officials from both the EFCC and FBI, attended the event.
Commenting on the initiative, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting secure and safe transactions, stating, “This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a fraud-free financial ecosystem and leading the charge in safeguarding transactions across Africa. We applaud the EFCC’s relentless efforts to combat internet fraud and other illicit activities in the financial sector.”
The Cybercrime Research Center, to be established at the new EFCC Academy, will serve as a hub for advanced research, training, and capacity building in the fight against financial crimes. It will focus on several key areas, including advanced fraud detection and prevention, collaborative research and policy development, youth empowerment and capacity building, and technological advancement and resource enablement.
Under the leadership of Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola, the center will engage in joint research initiatives and policy formulation to enhance the understanding and regulation of financial crime. It will provide a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices between the public and private sectors. The center will also create a repository of advanced tools, technologies, and resources to support financial crime investigations, including protocols for addressing emerging threats like cryptocurrency-related crimes.
EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting, “The EFCC is impressed with the strides and expanse of Flutterwave across Africa. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure a secure financial landscape for Nigerians.”
As the payments ecosystem continues to evolve, the prevalence of financial fraud remains a significant challenge, threatening the stability and trust in economic systems. The partnership between Flutterwave, led by CEO Olugbenga Agboola, and the EFCC exemplifies how public-private collaboration can effectively address these issues, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous economy in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Cybercrime Research Center will also focus on youth empowerment and capacity building. It will provide 500 youths with high-end training and research opportunities, equipping them with the skills to navigate and excel in the digital economy. This aspect of the initiative underscores Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola’s commitment to combating financial crimes and investing in the future of Nigeria’s youth.