By Ranti Thomas
The Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) has honored the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in recognition of his outstanding performance and commitment to public service.
The prestigious award an initiative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in partnership with The Best Strategic Media was presented at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The ceremony drew an impressive gathering, including state governors, ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as key players from the private sector.
Speaking on behalf of the President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. George Akume, said the awards were instituted to promote excellent performance in public service.
According to him, the initiative identified and honored individuals who have contributed significantly to national transformation.
“The awards are instituted to recognize excellent service delivery by public office holders towards the transformation of the country,” he said.
Akume noted that only outstanding heads of agencies and appointees were selected. “The award was only given to exceptional 44 chief executives across all appointees and governors,” he said.
Olukoyede was honored for his sterling performance, especially in strengthening the anti-corruption mandate of the Commission.
Under his leadership, the EFCC recorded recoveries running into hundreds of billions of naira, traced and recovered significant assets, and intensified efforts in curtailing money laundering.
His reforms also contributed to Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025, signaling improved financial integrity and compliance.
Other awardees are five state governors, ministers and top heads of MDAs.