ABUJA — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to unite in the fight against corruption, warning that without collective resolve, the menace could cripple the nation’s quest for sustainable development.
Olukoyede made the appeal while addressing stakeholders at a recent anti-corruption forum held in Abuja, where he emphasized the urgency of rebuilding national ethics and reawakening citizens’ responsibility in holding both public and private institutions accountable.
“No single agency or leader can defeat corruption in isolation. This is a fight that requires the synergy of all Nigerians—government, civil society, the private sector, the media, and the everyday citizen,” the EFCC boss declared. “Corruption is not just about stolen money; it is about stolen futures, broken systems, and the erosion of trust in leadership.”
Since assuming office in 2023, Olukoyede has prioritized institutional reform, intelligence-driven investigations, and strategic prosecutions. Under his leadership, the EFCC has secured hundreds of convictions and recovered billions of naira in assets, while also tightening its grip on cybercrime and public sector fraud.
Despite these efforts, the EFCC Chairman noted that the persistence of corrupt practices in both low- and high-level offices points to a deeper societal issue. He urged Nigerians to stop glorifying ill-gotten wealth and instead champion values that uphold integrity, service, and sacrifice.
“We cannot keep celebrating corruption in our churches, mosques, communities, and marketplaces while pretending to fight it in the courts. Until we reject it at every level — morally, socially, and politically — we will continue to treat the symptoms while ignoring the disease,” Olukoyede said.
He also reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to transparency and due process, stressing that under his watch, the Commission will continue to operate professionally and without political bias. He encouraged whistleblowers to speak out without fear, assuring them of protection and confidentiality.
The anti-corruption drive, a central plank of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has been reinvigorated with renewed emphasis on accountability and reform. Olukoyede’s message comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding transparency and ethical governance in the face of rising economic challenges.
In conclusion, the EFCC Chairman called on all Nigerians to view the anti-corruption war not as a government agenda but as a moral duty to protect the nation’s future. “This country belongs to all of us, and if we want it to rise, we must all take a stand against the forces pulling it down.”
