EFCC Chairman Decries Poor Compliance in MDAs, Warns Against Corruption Risks

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the widespread lack of compliance with best practices, rules, and regulations across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. He emphasized that this non-compliance remains a major gateway to corruption in the country.

Olukoyede made these remarks on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, while addressing a delegation from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that both public and private sector organizations in Nigeria often fall short of adhering to established regulatory frameworks, leaving room for abuses and corrupt practices.

“If there’s anything most of our MDAs are lacking, it is compliance. We don’t comply, and that’s a serious problem. There’s a lack of compliance in contract awards, management procedures, and financial regulations. Once there’s a breach, it opens the door to exploitation and corruption. Others who observe these lapses will take advantage to commit even greater wrongs,” Olukoyede said.

He commended NASENI’s leadership for developing a Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in collaboration with the EFCC. However, he stressed that the effectiveness of these tools depends on the willingness of staff to adhere to them.

“CRA is important, but it will only be effective if people are ready to embrace change and follow due process. I commend your courage and the achievements you’ve made during your tenure,” he added.

In his remarks, Halilu expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between NASENI and the EFCC. He explained that his visit was to thank the Commission for its support and to seek continued collaboration.

“One of my first actions upon assuming office was to invite the EFCC to assess our processes and procedures, to help us improve them and strengthen accountability. We are here today to express our gratitude and seek the continuation of this relationship,” Halilu said.

The development of NASENI’s CRA and SOP began in 2022, involving a joint team of nine EFCC officers and ten NASENI officials. The project concluded late last year, resulting in a comprehensive 1,900-page SOP compiled into 45 booklets.

Describing the project as a milestone, Halilu said, “This is a great achievement for NASENI. We appreciate the EFCC for deploying nine of its best officers to evaluate our systems and provide guidance on preventing corruption. We are committed to sustaining this collaboration.”