May 7, 2024

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has given detailed explanations on the strategies being employed by the Commission in the fight against corruption, describing them as comprehensive.

He made the disclosure in Accra, Ghana on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa.

At the meeting where leading anti-corruption experts from across Commonwealth countries converged to discuss best practices and strategies, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach in the fight against corruption.

The approach, he says, involves preventive measures, technological innovations and international collaboration.

At the conference themed: “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency: A Means of Fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa”, the EFCC’s Chair made a presentation on “EFCC Anti-Corruption Drive: Changing the Narrative” and outlined the EFCC’s strategy for combating corruption in Nigeria.

He discussed the Commission’s mandate to enforce economic and financial crimes laws, highlighting the Commission’s preventive initiatives, such as Anti-Corruption Clubs in Schools, the Faith-Based Approach, and Fraud Risk Assessment and Control.

He also shared details on how the EFCC addresses forex malpractices and dollar racketeering all aimed at stabilizing the Nigerian economy.

He also spoke about the EFCC’s use of technology in its anti-corruption efforts, mentioning the Eagle Eye App for whistleblowing, the Case Management System, and the Forensic Laboratory. He pointed out that these technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing the Commission’s investigation and prosecution capabilities.

Based on these initiatives so far, in just six months, he says the Commission achieved record results in various areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of its comprehensive approach in the fight against corruption.

In addition to his presentation, Olukoyede engaged with other anti-corruption leaders from across the Commonwealth, discussing best practices and international cooperation in the fight against corruption. His participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutions and promoting transparency.

The opening ceremony on Monday featured a range of distinguished speakers, setting the stage for the conference’s focus on anti-corruption efforts across Africa.

The event began with a warm welcome by COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, EOCO, in Ghana. This was followed by remarks from key representatives, including Dr. Roger Koranteng, Head of Public Sector Governance, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom and Prof. Luis Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The ceremony also included a video message from Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a keynote address by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Ghana, Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing the President of the Republic of Ghana.