Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on operators in Nigeria’s private and public sectors to adhere strictly to ethical practices in their dealings to avoid falling foul of the law.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Monday, while receiving a delegation from TotalEnergies, led by its Country Chair and Managing Director, Mathew Bouyer, at the EFCC headquarters, as contained in a statement made available by the EFCC on its official X account.
“One of the mandates that we have is to use the instrumentality of this work to stimulate the economy. So, it’s important for us to identify key players like you and see how we can work together,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of compliance, Olukoyede stressed: “It is extremely important because one of the key factors of measurement of success in any business or any endeavour is the ability to play by the rules, to do the right thing at the right time.”
“And that is why we are here, to ensure that you play by the rules and to also ensure that you operate in a smooth financial ecosystem that would encourage businesses, whether on your own side or on the side of those who are trying to cut corners in their partnership with you. Play by the rules for us to continue to be friends.”
Acknowledging TotalEnergies as a major force in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Olukoyede praised the company’s long-standing presence and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for businesses that operate within the law.
“I want to thank you for taking special interest in Nigeria, being here in the past 60 years is no small feat. As one of the major players in the oil and gas industry, we want to continue to encourage you and to assure you that on our part we will do everything possible to create a conducive environment and also a sane financial system for you to work,” he assured.
In his remarks, Bouyer expressed delight at the reception and emphasized the company’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the EFCC.
“It was quite important for us to come to greet you and to demonstrate the relationship we want to build with the EFCC, going forward. We are one of the key partners in the finances of Nigeria. We are here to stay and we are here for the long run,” he stated.
Bouyer further underlined the company’s strategic role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“We are today one of the largest operators of oil and gas production in Nigeria. We are operating around 20 percent of the oil and gas in the country on oil terrains, onshore, offshore. Clearly our commitment to Nigeria is big and we have the responsibility to also keep a reliable supply and delivery of the products,” he said.
Commending the EFCC’s efforts under Olukoyede’s leadership, Bouyer added: “There’s a lot of energy in the EFCC and I’m sure that total energies have been deployed in the Commission in the last one year. Congratulations for the results.”
