Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called out Nigerians for condemning corruption while simultaneously defending corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.
During a visit from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, in Abuja on Friday, Olukoyede highlighted that corruption remains the primary barrier to Nigeria’s progress.
He noted, “One of the biggest challenges in Nigeria that, if addressed, will eliminate under-development is corruption and financial crimes.”
Olukoyede stressed that tackling corruption is a shared responsibility, not just for the government but for all citizens. He emphasized that genuine progress depends on collective commitment to integrity and accountability.
The EFCC chairman also pointed out the public’s contradictory stance on corruption. While Nigerians often decry corruption, they tend to support corrupt leaders when they are prosecuted.
“Everyone complains about corruption, how it’s destroying our system, but when we investigate and take high-profile cases to court, the same people are seen supporting corrupt leaders with placards,” he remarked. “This shows a lack of seriousness in the fight, which should be a collective effort.”
Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s dedication to tackling financial crimes within the law and called for increased public collaboration in the fight against corruption.
The agency, he added, would work with the CCC to improve strategic communication and raise awareness about the importance of integrity and accountability.