The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has highlighted the need for institutional reforms in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Development Diaries reports that CHRICED, in its reaction to the appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede as Chairman of the EFCC, called for far-reaching reforms to make the commission free from all forms of political interference.

‘CHRICED hopes the current administration will not continue with the failed and discredited approach of treating the Commission in ways which undermine and erode its independence’, the organisation noted in a statement to Development Diaries.

‘At a time when the country is faced with the challenge of how to generate the required financial resources to meet the expectations of millions of citizens, the role of the EFCC in ensuring the already limited financial resources are not lost to corruption, is of utmost importance’.

The implementation of anti-corruption measures has been difficult in Nigeria despite the existence of anti-corruption laws, as a result of poor enforcement, political intervention, and a lack of institutional ability, which continue to be major roadblocks.

One of the biggest problems the EFCC has had to deal with is interference from prominent politicians and government officials, which has made it difficult for the commission to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

‘We, therefore, call for far-reaching reforms to make the Commission free from all forms of political interference’, CHRICED noted.

The incoming EFCC helmsman is expected to leverage his over 22-year experience as a lawyer, regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management to steer the commission in the right direction.

Photo source: EFCC