The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has warned public officials against viewing public office as an avenue for personal enrichment, insisting that government appointments are positions of trust meant to safeguard public resources for national development.
Olukoyede gave the warning in Abuja during a two-day induction programme organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and members of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
Speaking on the theme, “Institutional Governance and Regulatory Compliance,” the EFCC Chairman stressed that accountability in public service requires government resources to be managed ethically, transparently and in the best interest of Nigerians.
He lamented that corruption continues to undermine Nigeria’s development, noting that billions of naira meant for infrastructure and essential public services are lost annually through fraudulent activities by public officials.
Olukoyede identified major forms of corruption in the public service to include treasury looting, diversion and misappropriation of public funds, bribery, procurement and contract fraud, payroll and pension fraud, as well as the abuse of duty tour allowances.
Describing contract fraud as the most widespread form of corruption in government institutions, he said many public officials manipulate procurement processes to favour preferred contractors or companies linked to them.
According to him, such practices often involve contract splitting to bypass approval limits, bid manipulation, awarding contracts to unqualified firms, and making payments for poorly executed or abandoned projects.
The EFCC Chairman explained that the Commission was established in 2003 to combat corruption and economic crimes through investigation, prosecution, asset recovery and public enlightenment.
He, however, acknowledged that the anti-corruption fight continues to face challenges, including limited manpower and resources, delays in prosecuting high-profile cases, inadequate public support and persistent allegations of selective investigations.
Addressing the newly appointed SSDC officials, Olukoyede urged them to resist pressure from friends and associates who may see their appointments as opportunities to access public funds.
“I know many people will tell you this is your chance to take your share of the national cake. Please tread carefully. Public service is not an invitation to loot the treasury,” he warned.
He advised the officials to familiarise themselves with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Regulations and Public Service Rules, stressing that ignorance of the law would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
Olukoyede also cautioned them against engaging in businesses that conflict with their official responsibilities, operating foreign bank accounts, bidding for contracts through proxies, or conducting financial transactions outside recognised banking institutions.
He further urged them to maintain accurate financial records and exercise utmost caution before signing official documents.
“Your signature represents your name and integrity. Study every document carefully before signing because you will be held accountable for every decision you endorse,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity across Nigeria’s public institutions, urging all public office holders to uphold the principles of good governance.
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