EFCC Chair Urges Ethical Journalism to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and promote responsible reporting in support of Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes.
Olukoyede made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the VON Forum 2025, themed “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS.” The event was organised by the Voice of Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
He expressed concern over what he described as misleading media narratives, citing a recent case in which the EFCC arrested a politically exposed individual linked to the alleged diversion of about $35 million earmarked for a refinery project. According to him, sections of the media framed the arrest as politically motivated without scrutinising the underlying facts.
“The following day, the headlines read ‘EFCC Witch-hunts Opposition,’ without due consideration of the evidence that informed the arrest,” he said, stressing that such reportage undermines public trust and the anti-corruption campaign.
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The EFCC chairman maintained that the Commission’s operations remain non-partisan and result-driven, urging journalists to reinforce editorial integrity and national interest in their coverage. He noted that recovered assets are tangible proof of progress, referencing the building housing the Voice of Nigeria as proceeds recovered from a former public official.
Olukoyede also highlighted perceived double standards in public reactions to prosecutions, noting that cases involving opposition figures often attract heightened criticism compared to those involving members of the ruling party.
Beyond corruption, he identified terrorist financing as a growing threat and disclosed efforts to strengthen regional collaboration. He announced the establishment of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), which he currently chairs, to coordinate intelligence sharing and joint investigations across the sub-region.
According to him, the protocol establishing the network has been adopted by ECOWAS, with operations expected to commence in the coming months. The initiative aims to remove barriers to cross-border investigations and enhance collective action against financial crimes linked to terrorism.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended Olukoyede for his participation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding role in promoting stability within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Ndace noted that Nigeria has consistently led peacekeeping and diplomatic interventions across the region over the past five decades, citing engagements in countries such as Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
He said these efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, democratic governance and collective security within West Africa.
By PRNigeria
