Olukoyede lauded for EFCC’s strategy shift to proactive corruption prevention

Public affairs analyst Chima Okoro has commended Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for his strategic repositioning of the anti-graft agency. According to Okoro, the commission’s recent reforms are centred on corruption prevention, asset recovery, and institutional compliance.

​In a statement, Okoro noted that under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC has transitioned from a primarily reactive law enforcement body into a proactive institution. This shift is driven by intelligence-led operations, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.

​Tackling transnational and digital crime
​A defining achievement of the current leadership, Okoro observed, is the intensified campaign against transnational cybercrime syndicates. Intelligence-led operations have led to the arrest of nearly 200 foreign nationals, including citizens from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pakistan, allegedly involved in cross-border cyber offences.

​The analyst highlighted the commission’s efforts to combat sextortion and other technology-enabled financial crimes. These initiatives demonstrate the agency’s growing capacity to address emerging threats within the digital economy. Consequently, the EFCC has earned international recognition, with the United States Consulate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) commending the agency for its role in dismantling criminal networks and facilitating joint investigations.

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​Regarding asset recovery, Okoro noted a shift toward ensuring that recovered proceeds are redirected for public utility. He cited “Operation Eagle Flush,” where assets seized from a cybercrime syndicate—including 501 bunk beds and 939 mattresses—were transferred to the Federal Ministry of Education for use in public institutions.

​The analyst also attributed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list to the commission’s strengthened asset-tracing and anti-money laundering measures. This development serves as a significant milestone, expected to bolster investor confidence and improve the nation’s international standing. Additionally, the commission has recovered hundreds of billions of naira in stolen assets, all of which have been remitted to the Federal Government.

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​Okoro further praised the EFCC’s policy reforms, specifically its collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to mandate the registration of Point of Sale (PoS) operators. This initiative is designed to curb money laundering and illicit financial flows.

​Beyond enforcement, the agency has intensified public enlightenment campaigns and promoted compliance with electronic procurement processes. These efforts have earned Olukoyede national and international accolades, including the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award. Concluding his assessment, Okoro asserted that the commission is successfully moving away from chasing corruption after the fact, choosing instead to focus on robust, preventative strategies.