ABUJA — The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed alarm over widespread violations of due process within Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), warning that such non-compliance is accelerating systemic corruption.
Olukoyede issued the warning on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He noted that many public institutions regularly sidestep established procedures in contract awards, financial operations, and internal management.
“If there’s anything most of our MDAs are lacking, it is the issue of compliance,” he said. “There is a lack of compliance in the process of award of contract, management processes, financial regulations and all that. Most agencies don’t comply and that’s what leads to corruption and financial crimes.”
The anti-graft chief emphasized that breaches in standard procedures open doors to exploitation and unchecked manipulation of public systems. “When you don’t comply, it’s a breach. And the moment there is a breach, it gives room for anything… others who have been waiting and watching will take advantage and perpetrate even greater evil,” he warned.
Despite his concerns, Olukoyede commended NASENI for demonstrating transparency and commitment to institutional reforms. He specifically praised the agency’s initiative in developing a Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in partnership with the EFCC.
“CRA is good, but it will not bring any change except if the people are ready to change and follow due process,” he added, assuring that the EFCC would continue to support efforts aimed at boosting public sector accountability.
In his remarks, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, said the visit was to show appreciation for the EFCC’s role in enhancing internal processes. He revealed that a joint team from both agencies had compiled a 1,900-page SOP, published across 45 booklets.
“This project is a great achievement for NASENI,” Halilu noted, affirming the agency’s commitment to combatting corruption and strengthening public trust.
