By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it’s
investing heavily in capacity building, digital forensics, and public education,
especially among young entrepreneurs who represent the future of Nigeria’s
economy in order tackled the emerging challenges such as cybercrime,
cryptocurrency fraud, and illicit trade financing require continuous innovation in our
enforcement and preventive strategies.
Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) in his address on Friday at the World Stage Economic Summit
2025 (WES 2025) with the theme ‘Tackling The Issue of Low Productivity in
Nigeria” said, “We are aware that corruption is adaptive; it evolves with new
technologies and economic models.”
Represented by Mr Adeniran Adebayo, Chief Superintendent of EFCC, he said
emerging challenges such as cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, and illicit trade
financing require continuous innovation in our enforcement and preventive strategies.
The EFCC boss who spoke on the topic “Anti-Corruption Efforts of the EFCC to
Boost the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria” said, “It is an indisputable fact that
corruption is not just a moral or legal issue; it is also an economic albatross that
undermines productivity, discourages investment, and erodes public trust in
institutions.”
He said every Naira lost to corruption translates to fewer schools, fewer hospitals, less
infrastructure, and ultimately, fewer productive jobs.
“Globally, investors have been found to consider the adverse effects of corruption on
their businesses, so they try to avoid any perceived corruption-filled environment. The
reason is not far-fetched: in any environment where corruption thrives, there is bound
to be a distortion of competition, an increase in the cost of doing business, and a drag
on innovation. Consequently, productivity inevitably declines,” he said.
He said to tackle corruption should not be seen only from the point of view of
enforcing laws, but about creating a fair, transparent, and efficient economic
ecosystem where legitimate enterprise can thrive.
He said, “Over the years, the EFCC has implemented consistent reforms and policies
towards achieving a more effective role in economic governance. Since its
establishment, the EFCC has been a key institution in Nigeria’s anti-corruption
architecture. Our mandate is clear: to investigate, prevent, and prosecute economic
and financial crimes.
“I urge you to take more than a passing interest in our cherished mandate, and you
will be greatly thrilled to know that our mandate directly supports the ease of doing
business and combats the root causes of low productivity.”
He explained that EFCC had in recent years restructured its operations along
Prevention, Investigation and Prosecution and statutorily, “we have collaborated with
both local and international organizations to enforce all extant laws and regulations
relating to economic and financial crimes.”
He listed the EFCC major anti-corruption initiatives, which havd significantly
enhanced entrepreneurship and positively impacted Nigeria’s business climate, to
include , anti-corruption compliance framework for businesses; Collaboration with the
Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC); Use of Technology
and Data Analytics; Strengthening International Partnerships; Asset Recovery and
Restitution
“The Commission has raised the bar on convictions and recovered assets worth
billions of Naira. These funds are being redirected toward improving social
infrastructure, education, and other productive sectors. Each recovery is a clear
statement that corruption will no longer be profitable in Nigeria,” he said.
He also noted the activities of EFCC at promoting integrity as a driver of
productivity, saying, a transparent business environment fuels productivity in multiple
ways; It reduces uncertainty, allowing entrepreneurs to plan long-term; It encourages
fair competition, which drives efficiency and innovation; It attracts both local and
foreign investment; it builds public trust-the most valuable currency in any economy.
“The EFCC is not an enemy of business; rather, it is your partner in progress. Under
the current administration, the Commission has continued to deploy all the
instruments of the anti-corruption campaign to stimulate the economy, with the firm
belief that ethical business practices are the foundation of sustainable prosperity,” he
said.
He also said that the EFCC is engaging the judiciary, the National Assembly, and civil
society to ensure that anti-corruption reforms are not only enforced but also
institutionalized for long-term sustainability.
However, he said that the EFCC cannot win this battle alone while very sector of the
society has a vital role to play.
“Integrity must become a national culture. When businesses refuse to pay bribes,
when public servants reject inducements, and when citizens insist on accountability,
we can collectively build a Nigeria where productivity thrives and poverty declines,”
he said.
He concluded by saying that the ease of doing business is not just about reducing
bureaucratic hurdles, it is about building trust in the Nigerian system.
“At the EFCC, our vision is simple yet powerful: to make corruption unprofitable and
integrity rewarding. Together, we can create an economy where diligence is rewarded,
enterprise is protected, and productivity becomes the natural outcome of a fair and
transparent society,” he said.
He commended World Stage Limited, the organisers of the WorldStage Economic
Summit for their choice of the topic, “Anti-Corruption Efforts of the EFCC to Boost
the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria,” and for spearheading the important national
platform that stimulates dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between the public
and private sectors towards economic growth and productivity.
Other speakers at the summit held at the Nigerian Exchange, Lagos include Dr.
Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI) and Dr Abidemi
Adegboye, Ph.D (Economics), Lecturer at University of Lagos.
