Olukoyede’s leadership style earns Presidency’s approval

Stanley Ihedigbo

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, has praised the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for his remarkable reforms in the commission.

Specifically, Usman commended Olukoyede’s efforts in developing systemic frameworks for corruption prevention, noting that his policy initiatives are practical and sustainable

According to the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, she made this disclosure in Abuja, while on a visit to the Commission.

In making a proposal containing guidelines on a performance charter for the EFCC, Usma 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.

On 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.”

While emphasizing that EFCC’s performance metrics are beyond arrest, prosecution, and convictions, the Presidential aide stated that “building capacities, identifying the gap, opportunities, threats and consultation with its leadership to address Mr. President`s priority areas” are crucial.

In his response, the EFCC Chair 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,d 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 could be prevented from happening.

“ If we can get the system right, it will checkmate other things. So, periodic reviews of our systems are necessary,y and we pledge our commitment to this cause because evaluation is very important and I will delegate my people to work with you,” he said.

Olukoyede 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 to institutional building and restructuring that are already yielding results. “ We have our strategic objectives and visions spelled out,t, and we are pursuing them actively,” he said.