By Wellington Jopelo
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on the media to maintain high ethical standards and promote responsible reporting to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
He made the call in Abuja during the “VON Forum 2025,” organised by the Voice of Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. The event focused on Nigeria’s role in strengthening democratic stability within Economic Community of West African States.
Olukoyede expressed concern over what he described as misleading media narratives, citing a case where the EFCC arrested a politically exposed individual linked to the alleged disappearance of $35 million meant for a refinery project. He said the media framed the arrest as political persecution rather than focusing on the facts.
According to him, such reporting weakens public trust and distracts from the core objective of tackling corruption and financial crimes in the country. He insisted that the anti-corruption fight remains non-partisan and continues to record significant progress.
He urged journalists and media organisations to prioritise accuracy, fairness, and national interest in their coverage, stressing that responsible reporting is critical to sustaining the country’s democratic and institutional stability.
The EFCC chairman pointed to recovered assets as evidence of progress, noting that some public infrastructure, including facilities currently in use, were funded through proceeds of crime recovered from former government officials.
He also highlighted concerns about selective public reactions to anti-corruption actions, noting that cases involving opposition figures often generate controversy, while similar actions against individuals linked to the ruling party attract less attention.
Beyond corruption, Olukoyede raised alarm over the growing threat of terrorist financing in West Africa, describing it as a major focus of ongoing regional efforts.
He disclosed that a regional platform, the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, which he currently leads, has been established to coordinate anti-corruption agencies across the sub-region.
According to him, the initiative—already adopted by ECOWAS—will enable intelligence sharing and cross-border investigations aimed at tackling financial crimes linked to terrorism and enhancing regional security.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended Olukoyede for his contributions and reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
He noted that Nigeria has consistently played key roles in peacekeeping and diplomatic interventions in countries such as Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau, reinforcing its position as a major pillar within ECOWAS.
The forum highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions, the media, and regional bodies in sustaining democracy, strengthening governance, and addressing emerging security challenges across West Africa.