The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged officers and men of the Commission to uphold integrity as the cornerstone of credibility and effectiveness in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede gave the charge on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the EFCC’s 2025 Recognition and Reward Ceremony, where officers were honoured for outstanding performance and dedication to duty.
Reiterating his long-held stance, the EFCC Chairman stressed that integrity remains the decisive factor in sustaining the Commission’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
“Let me say for the umpteenth time that, as operatives of the EFCC, we are as strong as our integrity and as weak as our compromises. Integrity is the only currency of acceptance in every clime. If we want to remain relevant, we must sustain and improve on our integrity,” he said.
Olukoyede expressed gratitude to God for preserving the Commission throughout the 2025 operational year, noting that despite numerous challenges, the EFCC recorded significant progress in the execution of its mandate.
He commended officers for their resilience and dedication, urging them to take pride in the collective achievements recorded during the year. “I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back for sailing through the year successfully and remarkably,” he said.
Describing the EFCC’s mandate as central to nation-building, Olukoyede likened the Commission’s role to that of “guardian angels safeguarding the economy against pillage, leakages, sabotage and other infractions.” He stressed that the enormous responsibility placed on the EFCC makes public trust a vital value to uphold.
“Trust is the biggest burden of life. The nation is looking up to us to uphold the huge trust and confidence reposed in us,” he added.
Reviewing the Commission’s performance in 2025, the EFCC Chairman disclosed that recoveries and convictions during the year were impressive, with progress recorded across multiple operational fronts. However, he cautioned against complacency, noting that success should be viewed as a continuous journey.
“Although all the performance indicators are rich, we have a responsibility to do better. Where we are is only a journey; where we are going is the only success point,” he said.
On the purpose of the Recognition and Reward Ceremony, Olukoyede explained that the initiative was designed to celebrate excellence, dedication and commitment to duty, while motivating officers to consistently give their best.
“Every staff of the Commission is important, and every work we do individually and collectively is also important. However, exemplary performance ought to be appreciated,” he said, urging award recipients to see the recognition as a call to even greater service.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Commander of the EFCC, CE Femi Peter Gbarufu, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate officers who distinguished themselves through commitment, diligence, perseverance, innovation and outstanding performance.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Staff of the Year Award to Superintendent of the EFCC, SE Bilkisu Buhari Bala. Twenty-four other officers were also honoured as Best Staff across various departments.
Among the awardees were Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Monday Ocholi Attah; Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Martha Ojochokutami Eche; Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Patience Saba Peter; ASE 1 Yusuf Awang Mangut; Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Abiodun Adebanjo; Inspector of the EFCC, IE 1 Shehu Muhammad Auwal; and Detective Assistant, DA 11 Zaharadeen Yakubu Adamu, among others.
The ceremony also recognised prosecutors with the highest convictions, departments with the highest recoveries and convictions, as well as officers who have served the Commission for 20 years and above with Long Service Awards.
