Ola Olukoyede Reiterates Collaboration As Catalyst In Fight against Corruption

Ola Olukoyede reiterates collaboration as catalyst in fight against corruption. The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has called for closer collaboration among anti-corruption agencies in the country for greater successes in the fight against corruption.

He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 when the management team of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, led by its Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the EFCC.

The EFCC boss in his remarks noted that, “All of us are key players in the anti-corruption fight. Everybody will agree with us that one of the major problems that is behind poverty, hunger, malnutrition, lack of infrastructure, generally lack of development in Nigeria is the issue of financial crimes and corruption. If we can make up our mind, work together as a team and ensure that we confront it frontally, we’ll probably take Nigeria out of this mess.

We can complement each other. There’s no doubting the fact that we need to collaborate and synergize. We must not compete. We must collaborate. We must work with sincerity of purpose. That is what Mr. President has encouraged us to do by giving us this privilege to serve our nation.”

While expressing delight at the signing of MoU, the EFCC’s boss appreciated that the Commission and CCB had always enjoyed exchange of ideas, intelligence, technical collaboration and administrative support and called for the operationalization of the MoU to make collaboration between the two agencies stronger .

While encouraging the Chairman of CCB on the job, Olukoyede reminded him of his power to freeze and confiscate assets and to carry out investigation and prosecution. He enjoined him to be courageous, stressing “you can’t be doing this kind of work and people will fall in love with you, unless you are not doing it well. So be ready to be called names and abused. What is important is that we make an impact.”

Earlier in his remarks, Bello had observed that the MoU marked a significant milestone for CCB in its fight against corruption, adding that it showed the level of partnership and cooperation between the CCB and EFCC.

The agreement, he noted, “formalizes our resolve to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. The CCB enforces the highest ethical standards in Nigeria through asset declaration, verification, compliance, monitoring while the EFCC leads with a determination against economic and financial crimes. We recognize that corruption cannot be defeated in silos. Definitely you cannot do it alone. Through this MoU, we commit to secure intelligence and information sharing.”

Ola Olukoyede

Speaking further, he stated that the CCB has a database of assets and liabilities of public servants in Nigeria. “It is a very rich intelligence that the EFCC has been using and we will be able to share experience, also. That’s one of the key reasons why we have this MoU.”

He identified other areas of collaboration with the EFCC to include joint investigations and operational support, coordinated asset tracing and recovery, capacity building and joint training; technological collaboration and better case management and unified public education campaigns.

“As we sign this MoU, let us signal a new era of united, effective action against corruption in Nigeria,” he said.

Media Team Commission Key Intervention Projects In Benue, As Infrastructure Push Gain Momentum

Media team commission key intervention projects in Benue, as infrastructure push gain momentum. The Federal Ministry of Works has concluded its Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in Benue State with the commissioning of key emergency and special intervention projects executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The tour, which forms part of the Ministry’s strategic effort to showcase progress on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as catalysts for national growth, covered several projects across the state, including the Katsina Ala–Takum, Katsina Ala–Calabar (Ushongo and Atihi), Old Makurdi–Wukari, Otukpo-Oshegbudu-Oweto, and the Makurdi-Otukpo-9th Mile-Enugu Roads. The rehabilitated sections of some of these roads were among the Federal Government’s special interventions aimed at addressing failures across the various alignments, improving connectivity, and stimulating socio-economic development.

At the Rehabilitation of the Katsina Ala–Takum Road, the Federal Controller of Works, Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danladi, provided a detailed technical update on the project. He disclosed that work has progressed significantly, reaching binder and sub-base levels, with preparations underway for the execution of hydraulic structures. He further identified key challenges initially encountered by the contractor, Messrs Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Limited, including security concerns and operational constraints related to construction equipment, noting, however, that these issues are being addressed to sustain steady progress.

At Ushongo and Atihi communities, along the Katsina Ala–Calabar Road, where emergency repairs had been completed, the Controller explained that a 100-metre line drain has been constructed to mitigate persistent flooding that previously submerged the carriageway, causing severe washouts and restraining traffic. He noted that the corridor remains a critical route for the movement of agricultural produce and mineral resources, passing through key economic centers.

Providing professional validation on the completed interventions and the ongoing projects visited, representatives of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) commended the Federal Government for the quality of work delivered, as well as the pace and quality of ongoing works. “The levels of work delivered and ongoing reflect a strong commitment to engineering standards, safety, and long-term durability,” they attested.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Chairman of the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Vincent Nyinongu, formally commissioned the Emergency and Special Intervention Projects, confirming the Federal Government’s resolve to prioritise infrastructure that directly impacts livelihoods by connecting people, goods, and services.

At a critically failed section in Agasha town, within Guma Local Government Area, flood mitigation and special repair works on the Old Makurdi–Wukari Road were also commissioned, further underscoring the administration’s responsiveness to climate-related infrastructure challenges.

Another emergency work commissioned was the Flood Mitigation and Repairs at KM 19 ( Ushongo) and KM 35 (Atihi) along the Katsina Ala – Calabar Road, a vital economic corridor supporting the transportation of agricultural produce and solid minerals from Benue State to other parts of the country. The project involves extensive pavement works and drainage infrastructure designed to improve durability and ensure all-weather accessibility and mobility.

The tour also covered the Dualisation of the Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile-Enugu Road, a route that has endured years of neglect despite its national importance. The Ministry stated that the current administration has prioritised the project due to its strategic relevance and the need to end decades of hardship experienced by motorists and communities on the corridor.

The Ministry emphasised that the extreme conditions previously observed on the road characterised by hazardous failures and stationary articulated vehicles, necessitated the rehabilitation of the existing carriageway and the construction of another. Ongoing works on the corridor have now gathered momentum, reflecting the administration’s renewed commitment to infrastructure delivery.

Giving further technical details on the project, the FCW disclosed that work commenced on 1 February, 2024, following the resolution of initial constraints, including security challenges, right-of-way acquisition, and relocation of utilities. He confirmed that the Benue State Government has achieved 100% acquisition of the right of way, while relocation of utilities has reached approximately 98%, enabling unhindered construction activities.
According to him, significant achievements have been recorded with over 48% completion status, indicating that delivery remains on track.

Corroborating this progress, Engr. Tijani Olalekan, representing the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the timely execution and excellent completion of the contract. “The pace of work reflects our dedication to meeting the project’s timelines. We have achieved substantial progress on binder and wearing courses, while hydraulic structures are being completed across multiple locations,” he asserted.

He added that most of the earlier challenges have been effectively addressed, particularly with the support of the state government in facilitating right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation.

As a further demonstration of intergovernmental collaboration, the Federal Ministry of Works acknowledged with much gratitude the approval granted by the Benue State Government for the payment of compensation related to the Buruku Bridge project. It expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that such cooperation is essential for the seamless execution of infrastructure projects across the states of the Federation.

This was at the site of construction work on the Buruku Bridge over the River Kastina Ala, linking Benue and Taraba States. The Project Manager, Messrs Setraco (Nigeria) Limited expressed optimism that with the payment of compensation, “the work will gather a renewed momentum,” he assured the visiting team.

The nationwide media tour is not only a platform for showcasing capability and accountability but also an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable and impactful infrastructure.

The successful completion and ongoing execution of these projects underscore a clear and consistent policy direction focused on national integration, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all.

Ola Olukoyede Charges Students To Shun Cybercrimes, Social Vices, Emphasizes Digital Integrity

Ola Olukoyede charges students to shun cybercrimes, zocial vices, emphasizes digital integrity. The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across the country to shun internet fraud and embrace digital integrity and cultural reorientation.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, at a conference themed “Cybercrimes, Drugs and other Social Vices” at the main campus, University of Abuja.

Speaking through the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Muhammad, the Chairman urged students to stay away from cybercrime and leverage their talents for positive impact through entrepreneurship, drama, music, innovation and other engagements

“I implore you to use your creative talents like fashion design, music, and art to impact the society”, he said.

He stressed that the EFCC was passionate about guiding youths using programs like Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions to promote anti-corruption efforts. “Be ambassadors of Nigeria, represent your families and country with integrity, and shun cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism”, he said.

Students

Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Awwal Ibrahim Rafsanjani, who delivered a keynote address at the National Student Leadership Conference, emphasised the link between integrity and national development. He highlighted corruption as a major challenge impeding Nigeria’s progress, fueling social vices like cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism.

The organizer of the festival, Tayo Folorunsho, emphasized the importance of youth-centered initiatives, noting that such events are essential in moulding responsible citizens and fostering safer financial space.

The festival provided a platform for students across the Federal Capital Territory, to be tutored on the virtues of integrity, discipline and civic responsibilities aimed at building a better society and safer financial space. Activities like singing and dancing were featured in the Conference