morganable news/Public Interest
He explained that such fraudulent practices often involve contract splitting to evade approval thresholds, bid manipulation to favour preferred contractors, and the award of contracts to companies lacking the requisite qualifications or capacity
kaNo —
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has identified contract fraud as the most widespread form of corruption within Nigeria’s public sector, warning public officials against exploiting their offices for personal enrichment.
Olukoyede issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja during a two-day induction programme organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms for Chief Executive Officers, chairmen, and members of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission.
Speaking on the theme, “The Role of EFCC in Improving Accountability in the Public Service,” the anti-graft agency boss stressed that public office is a position of trust that demands integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“From my experience in regulatory compliance, by far the most common form of corruption within the public service space is contract fraud, where those who lead government establishments set out to enrich themselves by rigging the procurement process,” Olukoyede said.
He explained that such fraudulent practices often involve contract splitting to evade approval thresholds, bid manipulation to favour preferred contractors, and the award of contracts to companies lacking the requisite qualifications or capacity.
The EFCC chairman further noted that, in many cases, payments are made for poorly executed or completely abandoned projects, resulting in massive financial losses to the government and depriving citizens of critical infrastructure and services.
Billions Lost To Corruption Annually
Olukoyede warned that the consequences of corruption in the public sector are far-reaching, with billions of naira lost annually to unethical practices.
“Annual losses to corruption in Nigeria’s public service run into billions of naira as resources meant for the provision of physical infrastructure and social services are often converted to private use by public servants,” he said.
Beyond contract fraud, Olukoyede listed other prevalent forms of corruption within the public sector, including outright theft of public funds, diversion of resources, bribery and kickbacks, misappropriation, procurement fraud, payroll and pension fraud, and duty tour allowance fraud.
He urged the newly appointed members of the South-South Development Commission to resist any temptation to engage in corrupt practices, cautioning them against viewing their appointments as opportunities to benefit personally from public resources.
“I imagine that you all have been receiving tons of congratulatory messages on your appointment, and those close to you would have reminded you that this is an opportunity to grab a slice of the proverbial national cake. Please, tread with caution. Public service is not an invitation to loot the treasury,” he warned.
The EFCC chairman also advised the officials to familiarise themselves with key regulatory frameworks, including the Financial Regulations, Public Service Rules, and the Public Procurement Act, stressing that strict compliance with these laws is essential to promoting transparency and accountability.
“As a member of the SSDC, familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and be guided. You should not be jostling for contracts from the SSDC either directly or through fronts,” he said.
Olukoyede Warns Against Misconduct
Olukoyede further cautioned public officials against operating foreign bank accounts, engaging in businesses incompatible with public office, or conducting financial transactions outside recognised financial institutions.
He emphasised the importance of proper documentation and due diligence in official transactions, urging public officers to be mindful of the implications of their actions.
“Before you sign that document, study it. Your signature is your name and integrity. Guard it,” he added.
While highlighting the mandate of the EFCC, Olukoyede recalled that the commission was established in 2003 to combat economic and financial crimes through investigation, prosecution, asset recovery, and public enlightenment.
EFCC Faces Challenges In The Fight Against Corruption
He noted that despite its achievements, the agency continues to face several challenges in the fight against corruption.
According to him, addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including public officials, civil society, and citizens.
Olukoyede reiterated that the fight against corruption cannot be won by the EFCC alone, stressing the need for a culture of accountability and ethical conduct across all levels of government.
He urged the inductees to see themselves as custodians of public trust and to prioritise the welfare of the people in all their actions.
The induction programme, themed “Institutional Governance and Regulatory Compliance,” is aimed at equipping the newly appointed officials of the South-South Development Commission with the knowledge and tools needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Observers say the EFCC chairman’s remarks underscore the persistent challenge of corruption in Nigeria’s public sector and the urgent need for systemic reforms to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
They note that tackling contract fraud, in particular, will require stricter enforcement of procurement laws, greater transparency in contract awards, and the use of technology to monitor project implementation.
