The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian Missions abroad to collaborate with the anti-graft agency in the fight against corruption and the enhancement of Nigeria’s global reputation.
He made the call during a keynote speech delivered at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Speaking through the Director of Public Affairs, Commander Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede emphasized that Nigeria’s international image is significantly influenced by factors such as population, natural resource endowment, military strength, political stability, leadership quality, institutional efficiency, rule of law, and the standard of living of its citizens.
While acknowledging the efforts of Nigerian diplomats in representing the country’s interests, he noted that corruption remains a major obstacle to projecting a positive image globally.
The EFCC Chairman highlighted how Nigeria’s reputation has been marred by corruption-related scandals, both domestically and internationally. He referenced the 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit in London, where former British Prime Minister David Cameron described Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt.” Olukoyede stated that such remarks, though undiplomatic, reflect the persistent global perception of Nigeria as a corruption-prone nation.
He cited several high-profile cases that have damaged Nigeria’s image, including the prosecutions of former governors James Ibori, Joshua Dariye, and the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha for corruption-related offenses. He also mentioned notorious fraud cases involving individuals such as Emmanuel Nwude, Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi), and Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha).
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Olukoyede expressed concern over allegations of corruption within Nigerian Missions abroad, including unauthorized fees charged for services and poor accountability in the utilization of allocated funds. He warned that such practices further tarnish Nigeria’s reputation and hinder the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
“Corruption-driven insecurity within Nigeria discourages foreign investment and tourism, while making Nigerians targets of suspicion and persecution at international borders and in other countries,” he added.
The EFCC Chairman outlined the agency’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s global reputation, including enforcement actions, international collaborations, asset recovery, extradition of fraud suspects, and advisory services to foreign investors. He stressed that these initiatives demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.
Olukoyede called on Nigerian Missions to support the EFCC’s work by providing intelligence on corrupt Nigerians abroad, facilitating connections with foreign law enforcement agencies, assisting in asset recovery, and participating in international agreements aimed at curbing illicit financial flows.
He also encouraged diplomats to engage in cultural diplomacy by promoting the positive achievements of Nigerians globally and supporting exchange programs that allow foreigners to experience Nigeria firsthand.
In his concluding remarks, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalizes numbered accounts, requires financial institutions to identify beneficial owners, and prohibits public officers from operating foreign accounts. He urged diplomats to familiarize themselves with the legislation and assist in ensuring compliance by Nigerians in the diaspora.
The EFCC Chairman appealed to Nigerian diplomats to let professionalism and patriotism guide their actions, stressing that their contributions are vital to eradicating corruption and restoring Nigeria’s standing in the global community.
