The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for prioritising anti-corruption efforts and the fight against illicit financial flows in its country orogramme for Nigeria (2026–2030).
Olukoyede gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja, while delivering a goodwill message at the official launch of the programme.
He described corruption as a major threat to both national and global development, stressing that sustained and coordinated efforts are needed to curb its impact.
“For the EFCC, the programme’s emphasis on combating corruption and illicit financial flows is particularly significant. Corruption continues to impose enormous economic and social costs on our country,” he said.
The EFCC boss noted that the initiative comes at a critical time when Nigeria and other countries are grappling with evolving threats such as transnational organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and financial crimes driven by technological advancements.
According to him, criminal networks are increasingly exploiting global financial systems and governance gaps to move illicit funds across borders with ease, making stronger collaboration and institutional frameworks essential.
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Olukoyede also highlighted the longstanding partnership between the EFCC and UNODC, expressing confidence that the new programme would deliver impact through its focus on capacity building, inter-agency cooperation, and data-driven strategies.
He added that the initiative aligns with the EFCC’s mandate and broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.
The UNODC, in its remarks, underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, noting that the country holds significant potential to drive regional progress.
The launch attracted key stakeholders from across the justice and security sectors.
