Collaboration, Deep Understanding Imperative in Corruption Fight — EFCC
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The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has stressed that collaboration and deep understanding of issues surrounding economic and financial crimes remain crucial to achieving sustainable success in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Commander of the EFCC, CE Wilson Uwujaren, made the remarks on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, during the EFCC–Media/Civil Society Organisations Capacity-Building Workshop held at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
He explained that the EFCC places strong emphasis on collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society organisations (CSOs), describing them as “the right ear and left ear of the same horse.” According to him, their shared mandate of exposing corruption makes them critical allies in the fight.
“The issues for discussion revolve around operational, legal and media aspects of our work. Understanding these will enhance public appreciation of the EFCC’s efforts,” he said. He added that preventive measures, driven by the media and CSOs, are central to ensuring the anti-corruption fight yields long-term results.
Olukoyede noted that while corruption often “fights back,” the Commission remains undeterred. “We cannot be rattled or intimidated. Right is might, and as it is often said, conscience is an open wound, only the truth can heal,” he declared.
Speaking on challenges in prosecuting economic and financial crimes, EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, CE Dr. Ben Ubi, revealed that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) blacklist of non-cooperating countries was due to painstaking efforts by the Commission.
On the rise of cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime, EFCC cybercrime officer Sam Agbi Enahoro warned stakeholders to avoid suspicious online businesses and unrealistic investment offers. “When it is too good to be true, please don’t do it,” he cautioned, while explaining the technicalities of crypto-related fraud.
The Head of Media and Publicity, DCE Dele Oyewale, urged media practitioners and CSOs to embrace preventive strategies. He argued that safeguarding resources before they are stolen is more effective than chasing recoveries after the fact. “If there are modalities in place that will safeguard the looting of the treasury, we will save society from these losses,” he said.
In his closing remarks, the EFCC Chief of Staff, CE Michael Nzekwe, commended the media and CSOs for their contributions, urging them to remain steadfast despite pressures. “Nigeria is the greatest beneficiary of the work that we all do. Always put the nation and EFCC first,” he charged.
