By Augustine Ehikioya
For going all out against corruption and shunning political and other interests in the last one year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has emerged as the Best Anti-Corruption Agency In Nigeria for the year 2024.
It was also declared the most outstanding in Africa for its impressive onslaught against high profile personalities having cases of economic and financial crimes.
Readers of www.swafricanews.com who participated in the Security Watch Africa’s (SWA) Nigeria Security Impact Recognition (NSIR) initiative voted the EFCC as the best.
The initiative is recognizing efforts and contributions of outstanding security personnel, Agencies and governments who have done something extraordinary in the various categories in the past one year.
The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, received the recognition from the President and Chief Executive Officer of SWA, Patrick Agbambu, who led a delegation to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 5th February, 2025.
Receiving the recognition on behalf of the management and staff of the EFCC, the Executive Chairman said “I want to thank you and pledge on behalf of the entire management and staff of EFCC. I want to thank you very much for this recognition.
“You are placing more burden on my shoulders and on the shoulders of my men. I want to tell you that we are ready to do more.
“I dedicate this award to all the management and staff of EFCC who are doing this work day and night without relenting; who are giving their all at the risk of their lives every day and also to Mr. President, who has given us the conducive environmental work.” he said
Olukoyede also extended hand of fellowship to Security Watch Africa, seeking collaboration with the organisation towards kicking out corruption from Nigeria.
“I would need you in the area of advocacy so that we put out the right narrative out there for people to appreciate what we’re doing.” Olukoyede stated.
Speaking further on the alignment of EFCC and the mission of Security Watch Africa, he said “There is a very strong nexus between insecurity and corruption. In fact, you can’t separate the two. You can’t talk of terrorism without talking about terrorism financing.
“There is no way terrorism will thrive without a source of financing. You can’t really separate them. And so on that note, I want to say that we have a shared responsibility to ensure that we create a society that is safe for every one of us to live in.
“It’s important for us to let society know that there’s a need to work together. It is through collaborative efforts that we can fight corruption in Nigeria.” he said.
Despite the efforts of the agency since he assumed office, he noted that some Nigerians have decided to continually vilify the Commission.
“People vilify us for just doing the right thing. We put in almost 24 hours just to ensure that we do the right thing and to ensure that we make an impact.
“It is public knowledge that most Nigerians fight corruption with their mouths but their attitudes tolerate it. And that is the saddest aspect of it.
“The moment we start investigation and prosecution, people will begin to read political meanings to it.” he said.
But he assured that the Commission under him will not be deterred as he will do his utmost best to ensure the Commission triumph over corruption.
Stressing that the Agency still has more on its sleeve and will surprise anyone with corrupt tendencies, he said “In another six months you will begin to see a brand new EFCC. We are doing everything possible both from the perspective of internal cleansing to dealing with public and private sector corruption in Nigeria.
“I also want to thank you and promise you that we are not going to relent. This battle must be fought; this war must be fought and won.” he stated.
On the recent operation carried out in Lagos State, he said that the Commission arrested about 194 foreigners who hailed from various nationalities, including Chinese, Pakistanis, Indians, Filipinos, Eastern Europeans, Kazakhstans and Tunisians.
Noting how strange it was for 194 foreigners to be operating in one building with 500 sim cards, 249 active foreign phone lines, over 100 internet routers, and over 400 computers, he said that what was going on there was close to terrorism.
“So, when you look at some of these things you begin to see that it’s close to terrorism because foreign lines are activated and being used” Olukoyede said.
Speaking earlier, President / CEO of SWA, Mr. Agbambu, extolled EFCC has not only being the best anti-corruption agency in Nigeria but also in the whole of Africa.
He specifically commended the Commission for its fight against corruption in the country under the incumbent Chairman, Olukoyede.
He said “We are proud to say that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was voted as the best anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. But I would like to say that it’s not only the best in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa because I have visited nearly all the countries in Africa and though some of these countries try to replicate the EFCC, none has matched what the EFCC is doing.
“It’s not that there are no corruption in those countries, but their anti-corruption agencies don’t have the courage to do what you’re doing, particularly since October 2023.
“I must say that we are impressed with the quantum of recoveries that have been made and the boldness to bring up some cases that some people thought can never be looked into.
“When we see you break those jinx and do what Nigerians think cannot be done, we become very encouraged
“We are here to say thank you for what you are doing in the past one year. The agency has done very well. As Oliver Twists, Nigerians, still want more.
“Corruption is not an easy thing to wish off. It will always fight back. We know that there are obstacles and the public will need to be brought in to assist by providing support and encouragement and that is where we come in.
“We will provide encouragement because we believe in what you’re doing. And that is why we have come here on behalf of our team and our readers who voted this agency and its leadership as the most outstanding in Nigeria and for me, even in Africa, that is why we have come to present to you the plaque to signify our support and to say, yes, you deserve it. I want to say well done, sir.
“That said, on behalf of our esteemed readers who voted the EFCC for being the beacon of strength and direction in the fight against corruption in Nigeria in 2024 we prevent this commendation award.” he stated.
Mr. Agbambu also took time to highlight the history of Security Watch Africa
Stressing that SWA started operations in July 1997 during the military era, he said with 28 years down the lane it has grown beyond just television programme.