The executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has applauded the leadership of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its proactive approach to institutional reforms aimed at curbing corruption.
He gave the commendation during a visit by the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Khalil Halilu and his team to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede emphasised that non-compliance with regulatory procedures in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) remains a major driver of corruption. He stated that poor adherence to due process, particularly in contract awards and financial operations, often opens the door to deeper institutional malpractice. “If there’s anything most of our MDAs are lacking, it is compliance – especially in contract awards and financial processes. A breach opens the door for bigger issues,” he said.
He commended NASENI’s development of a corruption risk assessment (CRA) and standard operating procedures (SOPs), executed in partnership with the EFCC, but stressed that the reforms would only be effective if staff internalise and implement them. “The CRA will only work if people are ready to change and follow due process,” he added.
In his remarks, Halilu expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its continued support, revealing that one of his earliest steps in office was to invite the commission to help improve NASENI’s internal systems. He also acknowledged the contribution of nine EFCC officers who worked closely with NASENI to develop the CRA and SOP documents. The joint initiative, which began in 2022, resulted in a 1,900-page SOP compiled into 45 booklets, representing a significant step in NASENI’s anti-corruption reforms.
