Hadiza Bala Usman, President’s Special Adviser Hails Olukoyede on EFCC Reforms
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede on the laudable reforms in the Commission, especially the systemic development and frameworks in the area of corruption prevention, stressing that Olukoyede’s policy drives are practical and sustainable.
She made this disclosure in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024 while on a visit to the Commission. While making a proposal containing guidelines on a performance charter for the EFCC, Usman applauded Olukoyede for doing so much in the area of prevention, maintaining that the focus of the Commission would berth efficiency and effectiveness in the fight against corruption.
Concerning key performance indicators in the EFCC, Usman stressed that, “anything that is not measured cannot be done, so we are looking at EFCC`s performance, its strategic objectives to align with the operation of its mandate and core values”. She emphasised that EFCC’s performance metrics are beyond arrest, prosecution and convictions, the Presidential aide stated that “building capacities, identifying gaps , opportunities, threats and consultation with its leadership to address Mr President`s priority areas”, are crucial.
In his response, the EFCC Chairman, appreciated the team, stating that he was excited to have people come to review the Commission`s processes. “Fighting corruption is not all about arresting people, I told them on the floor of the National Assembly that our work is to fight corruption to stimulate the economy. That was why when I came on board there was a need to review our processes and I went ahead to create a department called the Fraud Risk Assessment Department to see how corruption can be prevented from happening.
“ If we can get the system right, it will checkmate other things. So, periodic reviews of our systems are necessary and we pledge our commitment to this cause, because evaluation is very key and I will delegate my people to work with you” he said.
Olukoyede further explained that within the time he assumed the leadership of the EFCC, several policy reviews had been done. Aside from the appreciable convictions and recoveries made, he pointed at institutional building and restructuring that are already yielding results. “ We have our strategic objectives and visions clearly spelt out and we are pursuing them actively”, he said.