The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and integrity in tackling economic and financial crimes across Nigeria.
The declaration was made at the end of a three-day management retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with top officials of the anti-graft agency, including its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in attendance.
This was contained in a statement released on the official X account of the agency.
The retreat, themed “EFCC: The Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity”, served as a platform for assessing the Commission’s achievements in the past year while strategizing for future improvements.
Addressing participants, Olukoyede emphasized that professionalism and integrity are crucial to the EFCC’s effectiveness, noting that “integrity is a fragile commodity that must be carefully nurtured and safeguarded to maintain public trust.”
During the retreat, the EFCC leadership reviewed the Commission’s activities in 2024, highlighting significant strides in asset recovery, arrests, prosecutions, and structural reforms.
According to official records, the Commission secured 4,111 convictions and recovered over ₦365.4 billion within the year.
Acknowledging the dedication of EFCC personnel, Olukoyede praised their sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, urging them to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption.
He also challenged staff members to surpass the achievements of 2024 while upholding ethical standards and due process.
In his address titled, “The Role of Personnel in Information Management and Public Perception of the EFCC”, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Professor Tonnie Iredia, noted that misperceptions about the Commission stem from deliberate distortions and cynicism.
Iredia, However, commended the EFCC’s leadership for its transparency and commitment to accountability while advocating for greater public involvement in the anti-corruption fight.
Similarly, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, traced the evolution of the EFCC and reaffirmed its relevance in Nigeria’s justice system.
Falana further commended Olukoyede and his team for their resilience in combating corruption despite challenges, particularly from the judiciary.
He also assured that efforts would be made to address legal bottlenecks hindering the Commission’s effectiveness.
As part of its strategic direction, the EFCC announced plans to enhance its digital transformation initiatives by procuring advanced technology to improve efficiency. Other key takeaways from the retreat include a renewed focus on staff welfare, brand positioning, and operational excellence.
“Other highlights of the Retreat include driving digital transformation and innovation of processes and systems in the Commission through procurement of cutting-edge technology to aid the works of the EFCC, enhanced staff welfare, improving the brand equity of the Commission and doing the right thing always for the nation and the entire world.”, the statement said.
Olukoyede expressed optimism about the Commission’s trajectory, stating, “In another six months, we will deliver a brand new EFCC in Nigeria.”
