Security Watch Africa Rates EFCC As Nigeria’s Best Anti-Corruption Agency

Security Watch Africa has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its relentless fight against corruption, describing the agency as a “beacon of courage and direction” in tackling financial crimes in Nigeria and across Africa.

During a visit to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters on Wednesday, the Editor-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, presented an award to the commission, recognizing it as the Best Anti-Corruption Agency in Nigeria.

Agbambu praised the EFCC’s achievements, particularly under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede, stating that its efforts stand out not just in Nigeria but across the continent.

“We are proud to say that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was voted as the best anti-corruption agency in Nigeria,” Agbambu said.  “But I would like to say that it’s not only the best in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa because I have visited nearly all the countries in Africa, and though some of the countries try to replicate the EFCC, none has matched what the EFCC is doing.”

He also noted that while corruption remains a challenge across Africa, many anti-corruption agencies lack the boldness and capacity to tackle high-profile cases the way the EFCC has done, particularly since October 2023.

Agbambu further lauded the commission for its massive recoveries and willingness to investigate cases that were previously considered untouchable.

 “We are impressed with the quantum of recoveries that have been made and the boldness to bring up some cases that some people thought could never be looked into,” he said.

Responding to the recognition, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede expressed gratitude on behalf of the agency’s management and staff. He described the award as a motivation to intensify the commission’s efforts in combating corruption.

“I want to thank you and pledge on behalf of the entire management and staff of EFCC. You are placing more burden on my shoulders and on the shoulders of my men,” Olukoyede stated.

He assured Nigerians that the EFCC would intensify internal reforms while aggressively pursuing corruption cases in both the public and private sectors.

“In another six months, you will begin to see a brand new EFCC. We are doing everything possible both from the perspective of internal cleansing to dealing with public and private sector corruption in Nigeria,” he assured.

Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to winning the fight against corruption, declaring:

“This battle must be fought; this war must be fought and won.”