Sounding the Alarm: EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede Raises Alarm Over Non-Compliance as a Corruption Catalyst
Regulatory Violations by MDAs Encouraging Corruption: EFCC Chief Sounds Alarm
In an open and candid conversation in Abuja on April 29, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, took a hard-hitting stance against the widespread disregard for regulations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. He highlighted this non-compliance as a significant facilitator of corruption within the public sector.
During a visit by a delegation from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), led by Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu, Olukoyede underscored the urgent need for regulatory adherence to curb financial misconduct. He emphasized that both public institutions and private entities frequently overlook established procedures, leaving themselves vulnerable to abuse and corrupt practices.
Referring to the extensive lack of compliance within the MDAs, Olukoyede remarked, "The issue of compliance is a major problem across many agencies. This issue of compliance is lacking in the process of awarding contracts, management processes, financial regulations, and more." He continued, "When you don't comply, it's a breach. And a breach opens doors for all sorts of mischief."
Olukoyede lauded NASENI's leadership for championing proactive anti-corruption tools, such as the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), developed in collaboration with the EFCC. He stressed that the success of these initiatives relies heavily on staff embracing and upholding the frameworks.
"CRA is effective, but it will result in no change unless the people are ready to change and follow proper procedures." He continued, "I applaud your courage for the significant progress you've made since assuming the role."
In response, NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, expressed gratitude for the EFCC's continued support and cooperation. He shared that the agency extended an invitation to the EFCC early in his tenure to evaluate and improve internal operations, reinforcing the existing relationship between the two organizations.
This exchange is the latest in a series of events marking the EFCC's escalating anti-corruption initiatives. Recent activities include:
- Bolstering partnerships with media outlets and civil society groups to bolster public campaigns against corruption
- Enhancing Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and customer due diligence within financial institutions to curb fraud
- Strengthening ties with other agencies, such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, to leverage a united front against corruption
- Advocating for the necessity of a corruption-free nation, emphasizing the importance of collective resolve in tackling economic crimes
These proactive measures aim to combat corruption through a multi-pronged strategy combining enforcement, institutional accountability, and public mobilization.
- In a discussion in Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, highlighted non-compliance as a major issue across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria, stating it as a significant facilitator of corruption within the public sector.
- Olukoyede advised the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) delegation led by Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu, to prioritize regulatory adherence to deter financial misconduct, as many public institutions and private entities neglect established procedures, leaving themselves prone to abuse and corrupt practices.
- Olukoyede emphasized that the issue of compliance is critical in the process of awarding contracts, management processes, financial regulations, and more, adding that non-compliance leads to breaches which can invite various forms of mischief.
- The EFCC Chairman praised NASENI's proactive anti-corruption tools like the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), developed in partnership with the EFCC, but stressed that effectiveness relies on staff commitment and adherence to these frameworks.
- NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, acknowledged the EFCC's support and cooperation and shared that NASENI had invited the EFCC to assess and improve internal operations early in his tenure, highlighting the existing relationship between the two organizations.
- The EFCC's anti-corruption initiatives include partnerships with media outlets, civil society groups, and other agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps, to bolster public campaigns against corruption, enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols within financial institutions, and prioritize a corruption-free nation through collective resolve.
- These proactive measures aim to combat corruption through a multi-pronged strategy by combining enforcement, institutional accountability, and public mobilization, focusing on activities under the spheres of general-news, crime-and-justice, and business.
