The presidency has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede for the reforms made in the agency.
Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, lauded Mr. Olukoyede’s reforms in the Commission, especially systemic development and frameworks in the area of corruption prevention.
According to EFCC, Mrs. Usman gave the commendation when she paid a courtesy visit to its office in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024, stressing that the Chairman’s policy drives are practical and sustainable.
She applauded Olukoyede for going the extra mile in the area of prevention, maintaining that the focus of the Commission would berth efficiency and effectiveness in the fight against corruption.
On key performance indicators in the EFCC, the presidential aide said: “Anything that is not measured cannot be done, so we are looking at EFCC’s performance, its strategic objectives to align with the operation of its mandate and core values.”
While emphasising that the agency’s performance metrics are beyond arrest, prosecution and convictions, the former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said that “building capacities, identifying gaps, opportunities, threats and consultation with its leadership to address Mr President’s priority areas”, are crucial.
In his response, the EFCC boss expressed gratitude to Mrs. Usman and her team, stating that he was excited to have people come to review the Commission`s processes.
His words: “Fighting corruption is not all about arresting people, I told them on the floor of the National Assembly that our work is to fight corruption to stimulate the economy. That was why when I came on board there was a need to review our processes and I went ahead to create a department called the Fraud Risk Assessment Department to see how corruption can be prevented from happening.
“If we can get the system right, it will checkmate other things. So, periodic reviews of our systems are necessary and we pledge our commitment to this cause, because evaluation is very key and I will delegate my people to work with you.”
Olukoyede explained that within the time he assumed the leadership of the EFCC, several policy reviews had been done – and aside from the appreciable convictions and recoveries made, he highlighted institutional building and restructuring that are already yielding results.
He added: “We have our strategic objectives and visions clearly spelt out and we are pursuing them actively.”
