NIGERIA: EFCC Demands Integrity Tests For Public Officers To Tackle Corruption

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called for integrity testing of public officers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as a measure to curb corruption.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, convened by the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Speaking through the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Commander CE Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede said only transparent and accountable individuals should manage government affairs.

“No system will work without the right people. That’s why the EFCC is pushing for integrity testing across all MDAs,” he said.

He expressed concern over the gap between government policy and its actual impact on citizens. He blamed systemic weaknesses for the poor outcomes of development plans.

Olukoyede identified several issues undermining public service delivery. These include non-compliance with financial regulations, unapproved duty tour allowances, and the diversion of funds to private accounts.

He also cited budget padding and projects with no developmental value, as well as lack of transparency in financial reporting, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The EFCC chairman urged transparency and accountability in all arms of government, especially the legislature.

“Parliament cannot demand accountability if it doesn’t practice it. Legislators must resist personal enrichment schemes and uphold public trust,” he said.

He disclosed that the EFCC has recovered and returned stolen funds to key institutions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission and NOK University.

He added that funds recovered by the commission have been used to support national social investment programmes, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Consumer Credit Scheme.

Olukoyede said the commission is shifting from reactive measures to preventing corruption before it happens.

To this end, he highlighted the establishment of a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department to strengthen internal controls in government agencies.

“We are also working closely with local and international partners to prevent illicit financial flows,” he stated.

He praised recent fiscal reforms by the current administration, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as steps toward transparency.

Olukoyede called on Nigerians to remain alert and play active roles in protecting the nation’s resources.

“The time we are in calls for greater vigilance by all stakeholders — public officers, non-state actors, and citizens,” he said.