Anti-Corruption Fight: NBTI Boss Praises Olukoyede

Anti-Corruption Fight: NBTI Boss Praises Olukoyede

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji has praised the leadership qualities of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and the successes of the anti-corruption fight under his watch.

He gave the commendations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 when he led the executives of the Board on a courtesy to the EFCC Chairman at the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Jabi, Abuja.

“Let me begin by wholeheartedly commending the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, a man of unparalleled vision, courage, and integrity, whose tenure has set new standards in the fight against corruption,” he said.

He observed that the EFCC boss has been result-oriented since he took over the leadership of the Commission. “Under your stellar leadership, the EFCC has intensified its crackdown on economic and financial crimes, ensuring that accountability and transparency become the bedrock of governance and business practices in Nigeria. Your commitment, resilience, and unprecedented achievements have not only restored public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts but have also positioned the EFCC as one of the most effective crime-fighting agencies in Africa. Your leadership is inspiring, and your impact is undeniable. Mr Chairman, under your stewardship, the EFCC has achieved remarkable milestones that have significantly bolstered Nigeria’s fight against corruption and enhanced our nation’s global standing. Notably, during your tenure, the EFCC has recovered over N200 billion and secured approximately 3,000 convictions within a single year, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to justice and financial accountability.

“You have arrested and prosecuted high-profile individuals and facilitated the seizure of 753 properties in a single estate, showcasing the Commission’s resolve to address corruption at the highest levels. You apprehended foreign nationals involved in economic sabotage, thereby safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and deterring international financial crimes. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has acknowledged Nigeria’s progress, reflecting the positive impact of the EFCC’s intensified anti-corruption efforts. This improvement has in turn, elevated the perception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, affirming its dedication to eradicating corruption and promoting good governance.

“While the EFCC is tackling corruption head-on, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is complementing this effort by creating economic opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering entrepreneurs with the right tools to build a corruption-free and self-sustaining economy,” he said.

Dr Raji who stated that NBTI’s mission was to seek the possibility of forging a collaboration, noted that working together with the EFCC will enhance the use of technology to disrupt financial crimes networks and fraudulent schemes.

“NBTI plays a pivotal role in driving emerging technologies in today’s knowledge-based economy. To remain competitive, Nigeria must prioritize technological advancements, digital skills, and workforce development. We recognize that sustainable development cannot

thrive in a corrupt environment. Corruption stifles innovation, discourages investment and robs the nation of its full economic potential. This is why our collaboration with EFCC is not just necessary but critical.

“Together, we will leverage technology to develop anti-corruption tools for real-time monitoring of financial transactions, procurement processes and fund disbursement; ensure accountability in SME funding, preventing mismanagement and ensuring

that investments in startups are used for their intended purpose; launch capacity-building programs to educate entrepreneurs on ethical business

practices, financial integrity and compliance frameworks; provide entrepreneurial training for rehabilitated offenders, equipping them with skills for legitimate economic activities; strengthen research and development collaborations to use AI and data analytics in detecting and preventing financial crimes,” he said.

While noting that corruption was one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress, he stated that EFCC-NBTI synergy could be decisive in the anti-corruption fight.

“Corruption is an enemy of progress. It is the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s economic growth. However, with EFCC leading the charge in enforcement and NBTI fostering job creation and entrepreneurship, we are laying the foundation for a transparent,

accountable,and prosperous Nigeria. This collaboration is a game-changer, a powerful statement that Nigeria is ready to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence,and create an economy that works for all. Together, NBTI and EFCC will stamp out corruption, unlock economic opportunities and drive Nigeria towards sustainable prosperity,” he said.

In his response, Olukoyede, who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mohammed Hammajoda congratulated the NBTI boss on his appointment and urged him to thread the paths of ethical standards in the discharge of his duties. He expressed delight at NBTI’s hunger for collaboration with the EFCC in the anti-corruption fight.

“Let me congratulate you on your appointment as the Director General and CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). We are all aware that the agency you lead is among the drivers of technology, research and development in the country. This means that a lot is on your shoulders. And as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. Much is expected of you because we are far behind in science and technology and only trying to catch up with the rest of the world as a developing country. In your efforts to make a difference in your new position and assignment, I wish to encourage you to always thread the paths of probity, transparency and accountability. This simply means that you must keep your hands clean. Don’t approve expenditures or contracts sums that you cannot defend. You must be guided by the fact that the position that you hold today is that of trust, meaning that a day of reckoning must surely come, a time to account for your stewardship is inevitable, even if it tarries,” he said.

The EFCC boss expressed appreciation of Dr. Raji’s kind words on the successes of the anti-corruption fight. “We are encouraged by your kind words on what we have been doing in the past one year and four months in the Commission. The challenge of fighting corruption is enormous in a society where the value system has been eroded and all that matters is “get rich quick,” but our assurance to all Nigerians is that we are in this fight with all devotion and everything we could muster. We are focused and determined to win for the sake of our country.

He thanked the NBTI for stepping out to be counted in the anti-corruption fight, noting that the only choice was to stamp out corruption.

“The anti-corruption fight is a fight for the survival of our country. The only option we have is simply to win. We are therefore happy that an important agency such as yours is identifying with our efforts and stepping out to contribute your quota in the fight against corruption. I am particularly delighted with the collaboration you seek in the areas of developing anti-corruption technologies, capacity building, promotion of transparency, joint research and development and strengthening of compliance frameworks. You have my assurance that we will collaborate and partner with you in the pursuit of your mandate and in our pursuit of ours. We will work with you in the interest of Nigeria. Our doors are open to further leverage the anti-corruption fight on the wings of science and technology,” he said.