By Lukman Olabiyi
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has described the fight against corruption in Nigeria as extremely demanding, emphasizing that success in the battle requires the collective effort of all Nigerians.
Olukoyede made this known in Lagos during an award ceremony organized by the Nigeria Human Rights Community (NHRC), where he was honored alongside the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe; the CEO of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Mr. Akintunde Oluwole Sawyerr; and the Chairman of Emirate Logistics, Prince Benson Onuwaje.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede expressed appreciation for the growing support from Nigerians towards the anti-corruption fight, describing the recognition as a morale booster for the EFCC and its personnel.
He stressed that corruption is corrosive and unhealthy for national development, citing a report which revealed that Africa loses about $88.6 billion annually to corruption, representing 3.7 percent of the continent’s GDP. According to him, Nigeria, as the largest black nation, bears the brunt of these losses.
Olukoyede noted that while corruption remains a major challenge, a deeper problem lies in the value system that promotes materialism and a “get-rich-by-all-means” mentality.
He urged a collective confrontation of this cultural issue, stating, “Until we all agree that corruption in Nigeria is bred by this system, we may not be successful in tackling it.”
Highlighting EFCC’s approach, he said the commission has adopted preventive measures to address corruption before it fully develops.