The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has urged operatives of the Commission to uphold professionalism, integrity, and dedication in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Speaking at the conclusion of a three-day Management Retreat for EFCC Directors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, Olukoyede emphasized that the agency’s effectiveness depends on the integrity of its workforce.
A statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, highlighted Olukoyede’s appreciation for the operatives’ achievements in 2024, urging them to surpass last year’s record.
“Professionalism and integrity are key to the future relevance and effectiveness of the EFCC. Integrity is a fragile commodity that we must carefully nurture, protect, and safeguard to guarantee the trust and respect of our various publics,” the statement read.
Olukoyede revealed that in 2024, the Commission secured 4,111 convictions and recovered over N365.4 billion. He commended the staff’s sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, calling for even greater commitment to the agency’s integrity and processes.
Expressing optimism about the Commission’s future, he stated, “In another six months, we will deliver a brand-new EFCC in Nigeria.”
Speakers at the retreat also underscored the need for EFCC operatives to remain committed to their duties.
Professor Tonnie Iredia, who spoke on The Role of Personnel in Information Management and Public Perception of the EFCC, noted that public misperceptions about the agency often result from deliberate distortions and cynicism. He commended Olukoyede’s leadership and called for greater public involvement in the anti-corruption fight.
Similarly, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, traced the evolution of the EFCC and reaffirmed its critical role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He commended the Commission’s resilience in tackling corruption and assured that judicial challenges affecting its mandate would be addressed.
