EFCC chairman: We’ll ensure our anti-corruption fights promote economic growth

Ola Olukayode, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged officers of the commission to ensure their anti-corruption fights promote Nigeria’s economic growth and development. 

According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, Olukoyede spoke in Lagos while addressing officers of the zonal command.

“There is need to redirect our focus towards what we were set up to do in Nigeria, which is to drive economic development,” he said.

“We will tilt our focus towards that area. We will work to drive economic development, create wealth and employment.

“The era of winding down businesses by way of investigation is gone. We will look into the mix-fund rules that separate proceeds of crimes from legitimate money so as to allow businesses to grow.”

He also said the commission, in line with its mandate, would make conscious efforts to redeem the image of the country in the global community.

“We will drive this to tell the whole world that we are ready to get out of this mess. We will do our own and pressurize other stakeholders to do theirs,” Olukayode said.

He charged the officers to uphold the core values of the EFCC which include integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration in the discharge of their duties.

He said the anti-corruption drive must open up an atmosphere of accountability and transparency in the country.

“You must be professional in all you do. Our image should reflect our core values. I have been part of this system. I was out for three years and I know the way things are,” he said.

He also urged them to act above board, saying asset declaration is compulsory for every staff.

“This was the reason I recently directed that all staff should declare their assets. I have declared mine, so you must declare yours too,” he said.