The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the scale of corruption in Nigeria, saying public officials allegedly divert government funds on a continuous basis.
Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions relating to alleged public-sector corruption annually, describing the details contained in some of the cases as disturbing.
According to him, the frequency of alleged financial misconduct by public officials has reached an alarming level.
“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep,” Olukoyede said.
He expressed concern that Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of the alleged diversion of public resources, urging citizens to reject corrupt practices in the country.
He said, “The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders.”
Olukoyede further revealed that some public officials assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their bank accounts but allegedly accumulate millions of dollars within a few years of occupying public positions.
He also alleged that some officials acquire hundreds of properties while in office, describing corruption as a major threat to Nigeria’s development.
The EFCC chairman stressed the need for public officers to be accountable for their conduct and financial activities while in office.
He maintained that transparency and accountability must remain central to public service if the country is to effectively tackle corruption and protect its resources.
