REJECT CORRUPTION, EFCC CHAIRMAN TELLS NIGERIANS
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The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to take a stand against corruption by refusing to defend individuals accused of looting public funds.
Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) on Thursday in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption negatively impacts all aspects of national development, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“This fight is not just for the EFCC or the government; it is for all Nigerians,” he stated. “When we provide clear evidence that someone has stolen public money, do not rally in their defense. Instead, demand that they return what belongs to the people.”
Olukoyede also encouraged citizens to report corrupt activities in their communities, stressing that failure to act would continue to erode national progress.
“If we don’t stand against corruption, it will keep destroying our future. When funds meant for hospitals, schools, and water supply are stolen, it is the ordinary people who suffer the most,” he added.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, urged anti-corruption agencies to take firmer steps, including cracking down on individuals who organize protests in defense of corrupt officials.
“It is not freedom of expression when people gather to protect someone who has stolen public money. That is freedom to support corruption,” Falana said.
He challenged the EFCC to take legal action against such individuals, arguing that they obstruct the course of justice. He also called for the establishment of anti-corruption agencies at state and local government levels to ensure proper use of public funds.
“Nigeria’s money is not only being stolen at the federal level. There is massive looting in states and local governments too. We need strong anti-corruption bodies across the country,” he stated.
The Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, highlighted the severe impact of corruption on everyday Nigerians, particularly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“It’s not just about quoting sections of the law. It’s about real issues—water, education, electricity, maternal health. These are the things that matter to our people. If we do not fight corruption effectively, the most vulnerable in our society will continue to suffer,” Shettima said.
He cited instances of mismanaged funds affecting access to essential services, including HIV/AIDS treatment, and stressed the need for accountability beyond mere rhetoric.
“About 1.9% of our citizens who rely on antiviral drugs now risk losing access because the funds meant to support them have been mismanaged. What happens to them? We need accountability that delivers real change,” he added.
Olanrewaju Suraju, Convener of HEDA, emphasized that anti-corruption agencies must go beyond promises and take decisive action.
“It is not for civil society organizations or the media to do the biting; it is for law enforcement agencies. The EFCC must ensure it delivers on its mandate,” he stated.
The conference, themed “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments, and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption”, brought together key stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
The event was organized by HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the EFCC, with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
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