The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has commended the leadership of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, praising the Commission’s achievements in the fight against corruption.
Dr Raji made the remarks on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman at the Commission’s headquarters 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 stated.
He lauded Olukoyede’s results-driven leadership, noting that the EFCC has intensified its crackdown on economic and financial crimes, promoting transparency and accountability in governance and business practices. According to Dr Raji, the EFCC’s achievements under Olukoyede’s stewardship have bolstered public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts and strengthened Nigeria’s global standing.
“Under your leadership, the EFCC has recovered over N200 billion and secured approximately 3,000 convictions in a single year, underscoring an unwavering commitment to justice and financial accountability,” he said.
He further highlighted the Commission’s successes in prosecuting high-profile individuals, seizing 753 properties in a single estate, and apprehending foreign nationals involved in economic sabotage. He noted that these efforts have received international recognition, with Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index reflecting Nigeria’s progress. He added that the EFCC’s achievements have enhanced the reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and reinforced its commitment to eradicating corruption.
Dr Raji emphasised that while the EFCC is actively tackling corruption, the NBTI is complementing these efforts by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities to create a self-sustaining and corruption-free economy.
He stated that NBTI seeks to collaborate with the EFCC to leverage technology in disrupting financial crime networks.
“NBTI plays a pivotal role in driving emerging technologies in today’s knowledge-based economy. To remain competitive, Nigeria must prioritise technological advancements, digital skills, and workforce development. We recognise that sustainable development cannot thrive in a corrupt environment, as 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,” he said.
Dr Raji outlined areas where the partnership could make an impact, including developing anti-corruption technology for real-time financial monitoring, ensuring transparency in SME funding, launching capacity-building programmes on ethical business practices, providing training for rehabilitated offenders, and strengthening research in artificial intelligence and data analytics for crime detection.
He described corruption as one of the biggest impediments to Nigeria’s progress and expressed confidence that an EFCC-NBTI synergy could be a game-changer.
“With EFCC leading enforcement efforts and NBTI fostering job creation and entrepreneurship, we are laying the foundation for a transparent, accountable, and prosperous Nigeria. This collaboration is a powerful statement that Nigeria is ready to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence, and create an economy that works for all. Together, we will stamp out corruption, unlock economic opportunities, and drive Nigeria towards sustainable prosperity,” he said.
In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Mohammed Hammajoda, congratulated Dr Raji on his appointment and urged him to uphold ethical standards in discharging his duties.
“Let me congratulate you on your appointment as the Director General and CEO of the NBTI. We all know that the agency you lead plays a crucial role in technology, research, and development in Nigeria. Much is expected of you because we are far behind in science and technology and only trying to catch up. In your efforts to make a difference, I encourage you to uphold probity, transparency, and accountability. Your position is one of trust, and a time of reckoning will surely come,” he said.
Hammajoda also expressed appreciation for Dr Raji’s commendation of the EFCC’s efforts. He acknowledged the challenges of fighting corruption in a society where values have eroded but reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the cause.
“The challenge of fighting corruption is enormous in a society where ‘get rich quick’ has become a mindset. However, we are fully committed to winning this fight for the sake of our country,” he stated.
He welcomed the NBTI’s willingness to collaborate, particularly in technology-driven anti-corruption initiatives, capacity building, and research.
“The anti-corruption fight is a battle for Nigeria’s survival, and the only option is to win. We are pleased that an agency like yours is stepping forward to contribute. Your proposals on developing anti-corruption technologies, promoting transparency, and strengthening compliance frameworks align with our goals. You have my assurance that we will work with you in the interest of Nigeria. Our doors remain open to further collaboration in leveraging technology for the anti-corruption fight,” he concluded.
