Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned of rising cryptocurrency-related crimes, revealing that illicit digital currency transactions exceeded $160 billion globally in 2025.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, raised the concern during the inauguration of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Programme for Nigeria (2026–2030) in Abuja.

Olukoyede, warned that digital currencies such as Bitcoin are increasingly being exploited by criminal networks to move funds across borders undetected.

According to him, advances in technology, weak regulatory frameworks, and gaps in global financial systems have created fertile ground for cyber-enabled financial crimes.

The anti-graft agency boss stressed that tackling cryptocurrency crime required coordinated national strategies, stronger institutions, and intelligence-driven enforcement.

According to him, the new UNODC programme comes at a critical time when Nigeria and the global community are facing growing threats from organised crime, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows.

Olukoyede described the initiative as a strategic platform to strengthen the rule of law, improve the criminal justice system, and protect citizens from financial and violent crimes.

Musa Aliyu, chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in his comments, called for stronger inter-agency cooperation.

Aliyu said Nigeria faced interconnected threats, including violent extremism, smuggling, organised crime, and illicit financial flows, warning that no single agency could address them alone.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has debunked recent circulation of unauthorised information regarding a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO).

In a statement, DPRP noted that several online platforms and unofficial sources have published unverified, and in some instances inaccurate, information relating to a potential offering.

“Such reports do not originate from DPRP and should be treated with caution. All official updates regarding any potential transaction will be communicated strictly through DPRP’s formal public disclosures and announcements issued by its appointed advisers, in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

“Accordingly, the public, investors, and all market participants are strongly advised to disregard speculative commentary and rely solely on verified information formally issued by DPRP or its authorised representatives,” the statement said.

The firm assured stakeholders that, when appropriate, comprehensive, and accurate details regarding any proposed transaction will be made available through official channels, including regulatory filings, authorised press releases, and coordinated communications by the Enterprise and its appointed advisers.

Federal government has awarded N50 million each to 45 students selected from 65 finalists drawn from public and private tertiary institutions nationwide under the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).

Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, unveiled the initiative at the weekend at the United Nations Development Programme Innovation Hub in Ikoyi, Lagos, describing it as a bold step toward positioning Nigerian youth as drivers of global innovation.

Alausa said the programme marked a significant shift in education policy, aimed at empowering students through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development. He noted that the grant offers equity-free funding, mentorship, incubation, and access to digital tools.

He explained that the beneficiaries emerged after a rigorous selection process involving over 30,000 applicants from more than 400 tertiary institutions across the country, culminating in a three-day bootcamp and pitch session before industry experts.

According to the minister, the initiative is designed to transform tertiary institutions into hubs of innovation and economic development, enabling students to move from ideation to commercialisation and become job creators.

“Today is not just another programme event. We are activating a new future for Nigerian students where great ideas are nurtured into impactful solutions,” he said.

Also speaking, Suwaiba Ahmad, minister of State for Education, described student entrepreneurship as a critical national strategy for job creation and economic growth. She emphasised the need for institutions to move beyond theory and support students in translating ideas into viable enterprises.

Similarly, Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, commended the initiative, urging beneficiaries to focus on building sustainable and impactful solutions rather than pursuing short-term gains.

He advised students to adopt consistency and long-term thinking, noting that small, sustained efforts could lead to meaningful innovation and societal impact.

In her goodwill message, Elsie Attafuah reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

She encouraged beneficiaries to refine their ideas, respond to market needs, and contribute meaningfully to national development through innovative solutions.

The minister acknowledged key partners, including the UNDP, Google, and the Bank of Industry, for their support in implementing the initiative and expanding opportunities for young innovators across Nigeria.