Olukoyede hails UNODC’s focus on anti-corruption, illicit financial flows

By Innocent Anaba

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Friday commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, for prioritising the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows in its Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030.

Olukoyede gave the commendation in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the launch of the programme, describing corruption as a grave threat to both national and global development.

According to him, the programme’s focus on combating corruption and illicit financial flows is significant, noting that the menace continues to inflict heavy economic and social costs on Nigeria.

“For the EFCC, the programme’s emphasis on combating corruption and illicit financial flows is particularly significant. Corruption continues to impose enormous economic and social costs on our country. Hence the imperatives of sustained action to turn the tide,” he said.

He observed that the launch of the programme comes at a critical time when Nigeria and the global community are contending with evolving threats such as transnational organised crime, corruption, illicit financial flows, terrorism and cyber-enabled offences.

Olukoyede stressed that advances in technology, global financial systems and existing governance gaps have made it easier for criminal networks to move illicit funds across borders with alarming speed.
“Confronting these challenges requires coordinated national responses, strong institutions and sustained international cooperation,” he added.

The EFCC boss also lauded the long-standing collaboration between the Commission and the UNODC, expressing optimism that the Country Programme would deliver results due to its emphasis on capacity development, inter-agency cooperation and data-driven strategies.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the EFCC’s mandate and broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.

Earlier, the UNODC highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance, describing it as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with a projected population of 400 million by 2050, adding that the country holds significant potential to drive positive change across the region.

The event attracted key stakeholders across the justice sector, including representatives of the National Judicial Institute, NJI, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, NPF, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, among others.

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