Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has disclosed the agency’s plans to tackle over 3,000 financial crime cases.
These cases are among the 5,000 petitions received from various groups and Nigerians.
Speaking at the 20th-anniversary lecture of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resources Centre in Lagos, Olukoyede highlighted the agency’s recent achievements. In less than four months under his leadership, the EFCC has recovered over N60 billion and $10 million.
Despite these successes, Olukoyede emphasized the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in combating corruption and moving the country forward.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the EFCC, including limited staff and resources, Olukoyede underscored the need for public cooperation in reporting corruption.
He urged Nigerians to speak up when they witness wrongdoing and emphasized the agency’s role in investigating and presenting facts to the court.
On a similar note, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, highlighted the collaborative effort required in the fight against corruption.
He emphasized the need for collective contributions from all sectors and institutions, including civil society organizations like HEDA.
“We need an effective policing system with integrity, then the court must not continue to discharge persons with corruption cases still hanging on their necks,” he said.
The EFCC had earlier in the year said that adherence to professionalism and commitment to the rule of law by government officials would ensure Nigerians’ contribution to economic growth.
He stressed that an increase in professionalism means zero tolerance for all forms of arbitrariness.