By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has unveiled strategies being employed by the Commission in the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede unfolded the strategies in Accra, Ghana on Monday, May 6, 2024 during the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa.
Olukoyede emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach in the fight against corruption. The approach, he says, involves preventive measures, technological innovations and international collaboration.
He discussed the Commission’s mandate to enforce economic and financial crimes laws, and highlighted the Commission’s preventive initiatives, such as Anti-Corruption Clubs in Schools, the Faith-Based Approach, and Fraud Risk Assessment and Control.
The anti-graft czar also shared details on how the EFCC addresses forex malpractices and dollar racketeering all aimed at stabilizing the Nigerian economy.
Olukoyede also spoke about EFCC’s use of technology in its anti-corruption efforts, mentioning the Eagle Eye App for whistleblowing, the Case Management System, and the Forensic Laboratory, pointing out that these technological advancements play a crucial role in enhancing the Commission’s investigation and prosecution capabilities.
He said that the Commission, through the implementation of these initiatives, has in the space of just six months, achieved record results in various areas. This, he explained, demonstrates the effectiveness of its comprehensive approach in the fight against corruption.
In addition to his presentation, Olukoyede engaged with other anti-corruption leaders from across the Commonwealth, discussing best practices and international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The event began with a warm welcome by Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, EOCO, in Ghana, followed by remarks from key representatives, including Dr. Roger Koranteng, Head of Public Sector Governance, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom and Prof. Luis Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The ceremony also included a video message from Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a keynote address by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Ghana, Godfred Yeboah Dame, representing the President of the Republic of Ghana.
The conference was themed: “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency: A Means of Fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa”, and the EFCC’s Chair made a presentation on “EFCC Anti-Corruption Drive: Changing the Narrative”.
