Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, remarked that “Nigerians are good people,” but highlighted that the nation is hindered by “a system that permits fraud to thrive.” He emphasized the importance of public officials maintaining transparency and accountability in their governance.

Olukoyede made these comments during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the NDDC management, led by Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He expressed admiration for the Commission's “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.

A statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday by NDDC Corporate Affairs Director Seledi Thompson-Wakama conveyed Olukoyede's sentiments, noting, “My brief interaction with the MD has altered my perception of NDDC.

I commend you for your dedication to instigating change. We may soon witness an NDDC that embodies pride, accountability, and transparency while fulfilling its mandate. This is the essence of what NDDC should represent, and I appreciate your efforts in this direction. His presentation clearly indicates a commitment to change, which aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at the EFCC.”

“It is possible for us to build a system of accountability, transparency and integrity in Nigeria.”

Olukoyede took the opportunity to call on all public officials to maintain integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the finances entrusted to them by the public, emphasizing that a time of judgment will inevitably arrive.

He stated, “Always remember that while you may hold a position of power today, circumstances can change, and you could find yourself in a different situation tomorrow.

This should serve as a guiding principle for those in positions of trust in all their actions. My own guiding principle has always been this: you will not remain in your position indefinitely. You may safeguard certain interests today, but upon your departure, you may find that those closest to you, perhaps even those who benefited from your actions, could be the ones to reveal your misdeeds.”

He further remarked, “At the core, Nigerians are fundamentally good people. The challenge lies within the system we operate, which enables corruption to thrive. However, if you place the same individual who engages in corrupt practices within a framework of strict regulatory compliance and oversight, you will find that their behavior changes.”

The EFCC leader affirmed that the Commission would persist in its mission with unwavering resolve, stating, “We will not yield to pressure. Despite facing criticism and defamation, we remain steadfast. We are committed to advancing our efforts because this work is essential, and we will fulfill our responsibilities effectively. Upon taking office, I assured Nigerians that we would leverage the anti-corruption campaign to strengthen the economy and promote good governance.”

Olukoyede confirmed that the EFCC will persist in its support for the NDDC in fulfilling its objectives. "We have been collaborating with you to facilitate recoveries, and we will enhance our efforts.

This partnership is essential for advancing our goals, and based on the proposals you have presented, I believe we are prepared to work together to fortify your systems and processes, elevating the NDDC to new heights," he stated.

During a recent address, Dr. Ogbuku, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, articulated that the purpose of their visit to the EFCC headquarters was to express gratitude for the financial recoveries achieved by the Commission on behalf of the NDDC, which he noted have significantly contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region.

He stated, “As a management team, we wish to extend our thanks to the EFCC for its assistance in recovering funds that have benefited both the region and the Commission. Mr. Chairman, I want to inform you that the NDDC is channeling these recoveries into various projects. At an appropriate time, we will invite the EFCC to participate in the commissioning of some of these initiatives, symbolizing the use of EFCC's recoveries to foster the development of the Niger Delta.”

Dr. Ogbuku further elaborated, “In addition to expressing our gratitude, we also aimed to update you on the NDDC's recent activities. There has been a prevalent negative perception of the NDDC, but we believe in focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

Thus, we have adopted a 'rewind to rebirth' policy, which involves revisiting our origins to identify necessary future actions. We have reviewed our records and engaged with previous management to understand past shortcomings. A key area for our rebirth is enhancing transparency.”

He advocated for improved collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC, noting, “We are confident that increased cooperation with the EFCC, particularly in technical support, will fortify our Commission and enhance our operational effectiveness. I would also like to request, Mr. Chairman, that before our corporate governance performance and Standard Operating Procedures are finalized, you consider delegating some of your officers to review the documents and provide input where they can help strengthen our organization.”

Additionally, he requested further technical assistance in training the NDDC's finance staff in financial management.