Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has called for improved cross-border cooperation in investigation and assets recovery among West African countries.
The EFCC chairman stated this at the ongoing 6th Annual General Assembly of the National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.
Addressing the participants, the anti-graft boss said, “I am confident that through our collective expertise, shared experiences, and unwavering commitment, we can forge a path towards a more transparent and prosperous West Africa. I urge all delegates to approach discussions over the next few day with renewed vigour and determination. In doing this, it is important to call special attention to the need to strengthen our legal and institutional frameworks; Enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery; Promoting public awareness, ethical standards and other corruption prevention measures; Leveraging technology in the fight against corruption; and Developing capacity-building programs for anti-corruption practitioners.
“As we proceed with our assembly, let us be mindful of the trust placed in us by our citizens. Every policy we recommend, every strategy we develop, and every partnership we forge must be geared towards tangible improvements in the lives of the people we serve.”
The EFCC chairman however, expressed concern over the absence of three West African countries, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso at the function, attributing the development to the current political situation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Olukoyede, who noted that the network requires full collective might to overcome the challenge of corruption in the sub-region, expressed optimism that the issues will be resolved as soon as possible.
According to him, “Regrettably, some of our member institutions in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are not able to join us today because of the political situation in the ECOWAS.
“We are optimistic that the issues are resolved soon as we require our full collective might to overcome the challenge of corruption in our sub-region.”
On the event’s theme, “Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” the EFCC chairman said that the region is at a critical juncture in its collective fight against corruption.
He said, “There is no gainsaying that corruption continues to undermine our economies, security, erode public trust, and hinder the sustainable development of our nations. This requires some introspection and strategizing to forge ahead.”
He further stated that the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption is not a mere technical exercise but rather a moral imperative that demands utmost dedication and innovative thinking.
