The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has been commended for what stakeholders described as a remarkable transformation of the anti-graft agency through reforms and innovations that are restoring global confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
The commendation came when the President of the Global Peace Movement International, Mike Uyi, led a delegation to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Jabi, Abuja, to honour the EFCC chairman with awards for what the organisation termed “excellent performance” in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr Uyi said the leadership style and operational reforms introduced under Olukoyede had significantly improved the image of Nigeria internationally, particularly in the area of financial credibility and compliance.
According to him, the renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem has reached a point where Nigerian credit cards and financial instruments now enjoy increased respect and acceptance beyond the country’s borders.
He noted that the EFCC under Olukoyede’s watch had demonstrated a stronger commitment to accountability, transparency and institutional integrity, adding that the anti-corruption agency had continued to gain the confidence of both local and international stakeholders.
Dr Uyi, who is also an EFCC Ambassador, disclosed that Global Peace Movement International currently operates in 27 countries across the world and has continued to monitor governance, peace-building and anti-corruption initiatives globally.
He explained that the anti-graft body’s performance under the current leadership earned it three separate awards from the organisation, describing the recognition as a reflection of the commission’s growing impact in the anti-corruption fight.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of Diaspora Accountability Network Nigeria, DANN, Beatrice Etim-Onyemachi, praised the commission for introducing innovations that are strengthening regulatory compliance and improving the credibility of businesses operating in Nigeria.
She specifically highlighted the importance of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, describing it as a critical compliance framework for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions in the country.
According to her, the initiative has helped businesses align with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism regulations while also enhancing confidence among financial institutions and international partners.
Dr Etim-Onyemachi stated that SCUML has become an essential tool for legal compliance, enabling businesses to conduct banking operations seamlessly while shielding them from unnecessary regulatory scrutiny through proper validation of operational standards.
In his remarks, the Chairman of The International Watchers, Olusegun Ademola, also lauded the EFCC chairman for his determination and commitment to fighting corruption.
He described Olukoyede’s resolve as commendable and urged the commission to sustain its momentum in ensuring accountability and transparency in public and private institutions across the country.
The event attracted members of civil society groups, anti-corruption advocates and stakeholders who reiterated the need for sustained institutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s image within the international community.