The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recorded a significant leap forward in the development of its New Academy located in Giri, Abuja, following the successful completion and commissioning of a long-awaited access road to the project site.
The Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in remarks delivered through the Commission’s Secretary, Mohammed Hammajoda, on Monday, June 30, 2025, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for their instrumental roles in actualising the road infrastructure.
Olukoyede described the newly completed road as a vital piece of infrastructure necessary for the full take-off of the New EFCC Academy. He noted that prior to this development, the Commission faced serious logistical constraints accessing the Giri site, which had delayed ongoing plans for the Academy’s construction.
“With this road now in place, work can resume fully on our vision for the New EFCC Academy, which we intend to serve as a Centre of Excellence for training, research, and enforcement in the fight against financial crimes,” he said.
He further revealed that the Academy will house a state-of-the-art Cybercrime Research Centre and other specialised facilities aimed at enhancing the Commission’s operational capacity. According to him, the project forms a core component of the EFCC’s long-term strategy to build institutional resilience and deepen knowledge-driven anti-corruption enforcement.
Highlighting the importance of the road, Olukoyede remarked that it would not only enhance physical access but would also symbolically empower anti-graft officers to carry out their mandate more effectively. He specifically praised the FCT Minister for taking decisive action when the Commission was at an impasse regarding how to reach the remote location. “We were honestly stranded until the Honourable Minister stepped in. Not only did he promise to build the road, but he also delivered on that promise swiftly and efficiently,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Assembly leadership and other stakeholders who contributed to seeing the project through to completion.
In a goodwill message delivered at the ceremony, President Tinubu—represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas—described the newly commissioned road as a clear symbol of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action. He said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to equitable development and inclusive governance.
“This road here in Giri is not just a stretch of asphalt; it is a statement of intent—a symbol of national integration and purposeful governance. It shows that under this government, no community is too far, and no institution is too small to benefit from the dividends of democracy,” the President said.
Speaking at the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike assured stakeholders that the development of Giri would not stop at the access road. He disclosed that the FCT Administration has directed relevant agencies to commence planning for internal road networks and accompanying infrastructure within the district.
“This is just the beginning. We have instructed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and other departments to start working out the details for expanding roads within Giri District. It will be developed just like any other part of the capital city,” Wike said.
He affirmed that the EFCC will be among the biggest beneficiaries of this road project, as it paves the way for the rapid construction of the Academy. “Now that this road is complete, they can bring in equipment and manpower to begin the actual development. Once that happens, others will also start developing their parcels within the district,” the Minister concluded.
With the road now open, the EFCC is set to move into a new phase of institutional development, as the Giri Academy positions itself to become a hub for innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.