EFCC Boss Blows Hot: MDAs Breaking Rules, Fueling Corruption!

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has decried the rampant non-compliance with regulations and best practices by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), calling it a major contributor to corruption within Nigeria’s public sector.

During a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) delegation led by Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu, Olukoyede emphasized the pressing need for adherence to regulatory standards to curb financial crimes.

He pointed out that systemic disregard for established procedures—common across public and private institutions—has created loopholes easily exploited for corrupt practices.

“One of the major challenges facing MDAs is lack of compliance. There’s a consistent failure to follow due process in contract awards, administrative systems, and financial management. These breaches create opportunities for corruption and financial misconduct. Once one infraction occurs, it often opens the floodgates for others to exploit the system,” he said.

Olukoyede also commended NASENI for implementing proactive anti-corruption strategies like the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which were developed in partnership with the EFCC. However, he stressed that real progress depends on the willingness of staff to embrace and adhere to these tools.

“CRA is only effective if people are willing to change and respect due process. I commend your leadership for the significant steps taken so far,” he added.

In his remarks, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, thanked the EFCC for its support. He noted that one of his first actions upon assuming office was to invite the EFCC to assess and improve NASENI’s internal processes.

“I prioritized EFCC’s involvement early in my administration to review and strengthen our systems. Today, we’re here to express our gratitude for the productive partnership,” Halilu said.