The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has announced plans to establish a centralized system for monitoring and tracking seized landed properties undergoing investigations related to alleged money laundering across the country. He emphasized the need to focus on improving economic development through the anti-corruption fight and shared concerns about Nigeria not benefiting from cases like the Haliburton probe, which generated $3 billion for the United States.
Olukoyede addressed these issues during an interaction between the EFCC and civil society organizations at the commission’s national headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. He highlighted that about 80% of ongoing major investigations were initiated based on petitions from civil society groups, emphasizing the importance of their role in the anti-corruption efforts.
The EFCC Chairman outlined key areas of focus, including redirecting efforts to contribute positively to economic development, changing the style of marking seized properties to avoid stigmatization, and reviewing policies to improve the agency’s operations. He also emphasized the need to operate within the rule of law, pledging diligent service to the nation. The EFCC aims to use the instrumentality of anti-corruption to generate employment resources and boost economic activities while ensuring a lawful and fair approach to investigations and detentions.
