The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has urged the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure strict compliance with financial regulations to prevent fraud and mismanagement in the sports sector.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Friday in Abuja, when the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, led the commission’s management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters.
He said the anti-graft agency is ready to work closely with the NSC to strengthen transparency, accountability and due process in its operations.
According to him, the EFCC had in the past investigated some former officials of the sports commission, with some cases still pending, stressing the need for preventive measures to avoid future violations.
“We always want to engage in the spirit of working together. The EFCC has had cause to investigate some of your predecessors and some of the case files are still alive.
“There is the need for us to work together so that we can prevent issues before they lead to investigations,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that the commission’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department would work with the NSC to establish compliance mechanisms in procurement, contract awards and fund management.
Olukoyede also expressed concern over the alleged mismanagement of grants, subventions and financial rewards from international sporting organisations by previous administrations in the sports sector.
He warned that such financial irregularities must not recur, adding that contracts and memoranda of understanding signed by the commission, particularly involving the National Anti-Doping Agency, would also come under review.
He further said the EFCC intends to help the NSC build systems and structures that would reduce the risk of financial misconduct and public suspicion.
The EFCC boss, however, commended Dikko for reforms introduced since assuming office, noting that corporate organisations were increasingly showing interest in supporting sports development in the country.
Responding, Dikko said the visit is aimed at seeking collaboration with critical institutions to advance the federal government’s initiative for sports.
He said the NSC has already introduced an independent integrity board to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of sports.
“I am here because we want to clean the system for the first time. We pilot an independent integrity board that is working to make sure everything goes appropriately,” Dikko said.
He noted that sports should no longer be viewed merely as participation in competitions, but as a strategic sector capable of driving economic growth, national unity and social development.
Dikko also stressed the need for stronger partnerships with the private sector to improve funding and development in the sports industry.
