Segun Atanda/
Olanipekun Olukoyede, the dynamic Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is spearheading a relentless campaign to tackle one of Nigeria’s most formidable challenges: corruption.
This scourge has long stunted the nation’s growth and development, infiltrating various sectors and hindering progress.
The Staggering Cost of Corruption
A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights the severity of the issue. In 2023 alone, Nigerian public officials received an astounding N721 billion in bribes, equivalent to about 0.35% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The survey, conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, revealed that the average bribe paid increased to N8,284 from N5,754 in 2019. This alarming trend underscores the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria.
Elections Marred by Corruption Allegations
The 2023 general elections, which brought President Bola Tinubu and other officials into power, were tainted by allegations of bribery and corruption. Electoral officials and security agencies were accused of accepting bribes to manipulate election results, further eroding public trust in the democratic process.
Olukoyede’s Vision and Commitment
For Olukoyede, the fight against corruption is a battle for the soul of the nation. Addressing stakeholders at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on African Anti-Corruption Day, he declared, “Aside from terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity.” He emphasized the need for a united front, urging Nigerians to embrace whistleblowing as a critical tool in exposing corrupt practices.
The Power of Whistleblowing
Olukoyede believes that the whistleblowing initiative is essential to combating corruption. He stressed that the fight requires more than lip service; it demands unwavering commitment, passion, and credible intelligence. “Every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs,” he said, calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organizations to join the anti-graft war.
Building Alliances for Change
The NLC, represented by its President Joe Ajaero, pledged full support to the EFCC’s efforts. Various stakeholders, including the Conference of Civil Society and the Coordinator Civil Military Co-operation (CIMCO), echoed this sentiment, commending the EFCC for mobilizing Nigerians against corruption. They highlighted that despite threats from terrorism and insurgency, corruption remains the most insidious challenge to national security.
A Symbolic March
The Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja was marked by a vibrant Road Walk, led by Olukoyede and joined by EFCC staff and other stakeholders. The procession, filled with singing and dancing, wound through the streets of Maitama and culminated at the Unity Fountain. This symbolic march underscored the collective determination to eradicate corruption from Nigeria.
Olukoyede has also made great strides in the war against Internet fraudsters which has recorded unprecedented arrests and prosecution under his watch.
A Call to Action
Olukoyede’s leadership and unwavering dedication are galvanizing a new era in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight. By fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, he is laying the groundwork for a more transparent and prosperous future. His call to action resonates across the nation: “In view of the danger and threat to the people’s existence which corruption represents, it is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies, and indeed the whole world join hands to tackle it frontally.”
Through enhanced whistleblowing efforts and steadfast commitment, Olukoyede and the EFCC are leading the charge against corruption, striving to restore Nigeria’s integrity and ensure sustainable development for generations to come.