The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has declared a no-nonsense stance on budget theft, revealing that the Commission is closely tracking the 2025 budget implementation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that allocations are not looted.
Speaking on Tuesday, 29 April, during a courtesy visit by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) to EFCC headquarters, Olukoyede lamented Nigeria’s dismal capital budget performance, citing years of under-25% implementation despite full releases. “If we can do even 50 percent of our capital budget, Nigeria will be fine infrastructure-wise,” he stated. “We’re monitoring and tracking every kobo released.”
Olukoyede emphasised the Commission’s pivot from reactive recoveries to proactive prevention, noting that 2024 saw EFCC’s highest convictions and recoveries in its 22-year history.
However, 2025 will focus on stopping financial crimes before they happen. “It takes more to recover than to prevent,” he said, highlighting the role of the newly established Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) department.
Beyond financial crimes, the anti-graft boss addressed environmental corruption, including illegal mining, warning that the nation’s extractive industry is being plundered by unlicensed operators. “These miners offer no economic value and destroy our environment. This sabotage must stop,” he asserted.
In response, HEDA Chairman Olarenwaju Suraju praised the anti-graft’s renewed vigour and integrity-driven leadership. “The EFCC is Nigeria’s anti-corruption ambassador. It remains a beacon of hope for our global image,” Suraju said, pledging continued collaboration.
Olukoyede concluded by reaffirming his commitment to lawful, collaborative anti-corruption efforts: “If we stand together, we will defeat them.”
