Olukoyede Praises UNODC’s New Anti-Corruption Programme for Nigeria

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

He gave the commendation in Abuja on Friday, March 27, 2026, during a Goodwill Message at the launch of the programme.

Olukoyede described corruption as a major threat to national and global development, stressing that every effort to combat it is commendable.

He said the programme’s focus on tackling corruption and illicit financial flows is especially important for the EFCC, noting the high economic and social costs of corruption in Nigeria.

The EFCC boss explained that the launch comes at a critical time, as Nigeria and other nations face evolving threats including transnational organised crime, terrorism, cyber-enabled offences, and illicit financial flows.

He noted that criminal networks exploit technology, global financial systems, and governance gaps to move illicit funds across borders rapidly, calling for coordinated national responses, strong institutions, and sustained international cooperation.

Olukoyede also praised the long-standing collaboration between the EFCC and UNODC, highlighting that the programme’s focus on capacity building, inter-agency cooperation, and data-driven strategies aligns with the EFCC’s mandate and strengthens Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.

The UNODC emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with a projected 400 million residents by 2050, noting the country’s potential to drive positive regional change.

The launch attracted wide attendance from the judiciary, ministries, and key agencies, including 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 Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).

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