RismadarVoice Reporters
May 21, 2026
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for what it described as his leadership and tangible results in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The commendation was given on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary General of IDEA, Kevin Casas Zamora, during a visit by top officials of the organisation to the EFCC headquarters.
According to a statement, the visit was aimed at reviewing progress recorded under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme being implemented in collaboration with the EFCC, as well as exploring further areas of partnership.
Zamora praised the EFCC leadership under Olukoyede for providing effective guidance during the implementation of key aspects of the programme.
“It has been guidance and leadership that has demonstrated the ability to deliver concrete results, not just for the projects but for Nigerians and that is something that we are very happy about,” he said.
He noted that the partnership between IDEA and the EFCC had focused on capacity building, execution of anti-corruption programmes and the development of strategies aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency.
Zamora also stated that the work being done in Nigeria was helping to shape global anti-corruption efforts.
“One of my main aims of having this conversation is to identify ways to sustain those gains, expand our work here and ensure continuity,” he added.
He further disclosed that IDEA was considering deeper collaboration with the EFCC in the area of political finance regulation.
A member of the delegation, Danladi Plang, also commended the Commission for prosecuting and securing convictions against politically exposed persons, saying the agency was demonstrating that impunity was no longer tolerated in Nigeria.
Responding, Olukoyede expressed appreciation for the visit and described IDEA as a longstanding partner of the EFCC.
He said collaboration and institutional partnerships remained crucial to the Commission’s mandate.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that shortly after assuming office, the Commission identified like-minded organisations for strategic collaboration in tackling corruption and cybercrime.
He recalled that IDEA supported the establishment of the EFCC’s Cybercrime Rapid Response Centre launched in October 2024 by the First Lady of Nigeria.
“We have also carried out several capacity-building programmes funded by your organisation,” Olukoyede said.
He also acknowledged IDEA’s support for programmes organised by the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).
Despite recent gains in convictions and asset recovery, Olukoyede said the EFCC was increasingly shifting attention toward prevention as a more sustainable and cost-effective strategy in combating corruption and financial crimes.
