Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), expressed his concern over the prevalence of gratification-seeking and bribery among some investigators within the commission.
In his New Year address to EFCC staff members at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Olukoyede cautioned those involved to cease such unethical practices or face severe sanctions.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the EFCC in the previous year, Olukoyede emphasized the need to stabilize the system and implement fresh initiatives and policy directions since his appointment as chairman in the last quarter of 2023.
Highlighting the three-pronged agenda and blueprint of the new policy drive, Olukoyede outlined the focus on EFCC’s mandate, responsible governance, transparency, and the promotion of Nigeria’s international image.
According to reports, he urged staff members to be steadfast and committed to the fight against corruption, emphasizing the crucial role of the EFCC in driving economic development, creating wealth, and generating job opportunities.
Olukoyede said, “As you would recall, our new policy drive is premised on a three-pronged agenda and blueprint. The first plank of the agenda is properly focusing on the mandate of the EFCC. All over the world, the major objective of the war against corruption and financial crimes is to drive economic development and create wealth and job opportunities for the populace. We need to come to these realities and operate by them. Our nation is in dire straits. We need to continue to do everything possible to stimulate the revenue profile of Nigeria.
“There is no agency of government as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC. We have all it takes to bring up the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed to this clarion.
“The second plank of our policy direction is putting modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels in a most responsible, accountable and transparent manner as well as building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eye of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments. To achieve all these, preventive mechanisms against corruption, adherence to the rule of law and engagement of diverse publics in the nation in the fight, are imperative.
“I equally talk about the overarching need for a transactional credit system as a potent means of keeping corruption at bay. We need to encourage this and motivate Nigerians in this area. I want to particularly harp on the preventive modality which is the centerpiece of our new engagement. We are already building strength in this area through the restructuring of the layers of the Commission. I want every staff to be in tune with the new arrangement.”
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