The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on pastors and imams across Nigeria to use their pulpits and mosques to preach against corruption, saying religious leaders have the power to shape character and prevent financial crimes before they occur.

Olukoyede made the appeal in Abuja during the second 2026 Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for Christian and Muslim religious leaders.

According to the EFCC chairman, law enforcement agencies can investigate and prosecute corrupt practices, but faith communities are better positioned to influence the values and moral conduct that discourage corruption in the first place.

“The EFCC can investigate a person’s conduct. Faith communities can influence that person’s character. We can prosecute fraud. Religious teaching can cultivate honesty,” Olukoyede said.

He added that churches and mosques should challenge the growing culture of celebrating unexplained wealth without questioning its source, arguing that corruption should never be viewed through religious or ethnic lenses.

Olukoyede stressed that the consequences of corruption affect every Nigerian, regardless of faith, noting that poorly equipped hospitals, bad roads, unemployment and inflation do not distinguish between Christians and Muslims.

The EFCC boss urged religious leaders to make active use of the newly launched interfaith manual in their sermons and teachings, describing it as a practical guide for promoting integrity, accountability and ethical values within faith communities.

The manual was developed through the EFCC’s Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee in collaboration with Christian and Muslim leaders. It contains doctrinal teachings from both faiths aimed at strengthening anti-corruption messages and encouraging peaceful coexistence.

The meeting was attended by prominent religious and public leaders, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Okoh; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; and other members of NIREC.

Olukoyede said the fight against corruption cannot be won by enforcement alone, insisting that religious institutions remain indispensable partners in building a society where honesty and integrity are valued above illicit wealth.