The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has credited Nigeria’s improvement in the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index to President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede made this statement on Friday during the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the EFCC Detective Assistants Course 5, held at Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria has risen five spots in its battle against corruption, based on the 2024 TI Corruption Perceptions Index, released on Tuesday. The country now ranks 140th out of 180 nations with a score of 26 out of 100, up from last year’s rank of 145 with a score of 25.
Olukoyede attributed this progress to the leadership of President Tinubu, praising his unwavering support for the EFCC and the broader fight against economic and financial crimes.
“Under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has made significant progress in the Transparency International rankings, climbing five positions,” Olukoyede stated. “This is a remarkable improvement in our fight against corruption.”
He further emphasized that the EFCC’s commitment to combating economic and financial crimes requires the support of all stakeholders, as the commission cannot tackle these challenges alone.
“The fight against economic and financial crimes is crucial for the future of our nation,” he said. “Nigeria looks to the EFCC for solutions to pervasive corruption and for help in stimulating the economy. The commission is also a beacon of hope in addressing cybercrime and other financial crimes driven by technology.”
Olukoyede urged the newly trained officers of the EFCC to play an integral role in eradicating economic and financial crimes through prevention, enforcement, and coordination.
“A lot of trust is placed on you as cadets of the commission. Your families, the EFCC, and all Nigerians expect you to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity,” he stated. “You must never compromise or tolerate misconduct. During your duties, you will face challenges that will test your integrity and commitment. I urge you to serve with integrity, courage, and professionalism.”
The EFCC Chairman also called for collaboration among stakeholders to tackle corruption, stating that the task, though daunting, must not be abandoned. “Together, we can free our nation from the shackles of economic and financial crimes.”
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also called for collaboration in the fight against corruption, stressing that the nation cannot progress without addressing this issue.
“We cannot move forward if we don’t confront and eradicate corruption,” the governor said. “Leaders at all levels of government must support agencies like the EFCC in this critical fight. For this reason, Nasarawa State has decided to withdraw from the legal dispute regarding the EFCC’s statutory powers.”
Governor Sule further emphasized that the EFCC’s success in eradicating economic and financial crimes depends on having properly trained personnel to carry out its mission. “The commission must continue to recruit and train officers to build capacity and strengthen its operations,” he added.
Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, represented by Senator Diket Plang, pledged the Senate’s support for the EFCC’s objectives. He praised the commission for enhancing Nigeria’s international reputation through its dedication and patriotism.
Similarly, Representative Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, called for greater stakeholder support in the fight against corruption. He urged the new cadets to view their selection as both an honor and a responsibility in the battle against financial crimes.
“With your commitment, Nigeria can effectively combat criminality and promote a safer, more stable financial system,” Onwusibe concluded.
