EFCC Boss Warns Public Officials Against Contract Fraud, Urges Accountability

EFCC boss warns public officials against contract fraud, urges accountability Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has warned public officials against engaging in contract and procurement fraud, describing it as the most prevalent form of corruption in Nigeria’s public sector and a major obstacle to national development. Olukoyede made the remark while addressing public officials and anti-corruption stakeholders, where he stressed the need for strict adherence to procurement laws, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. He noted that weaknesses in the procurement process continue to fuel corruption and financial losses across government institutions. According to the EFCC chairman, procurement and contract-related fraud account for about 90 per cent of corruption cases in Nigeria’s public sector. He explained that inflated contracts, project abandonment, bid manipulation and abuse of procurement procedures remain common channels through which public funds are diverted. Olukoyede urged accounting officers, procurement personnel and heads of ministries, departments and agencies MDAs to ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement Act and other financial regulations. He said every public servant entrusted with managing government funds must uphold integrity and prioritise the public interest over personal gain. The EFCC boss also called for stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, procurement regulators and oversight institutions to improve monitoring, detect fraudulent practices early and strengthen institutional accountability. He maintained that preventing corruption is more effective and less costly than investigating and prosecuting offenders after public funds have been misappropriated. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases of procurement fraud, warning that individuals found to have violated procurement laws would be held accountable regardless of their position in government. Olukoyede added that the EFCC would continue to support reforms aimed at promoting transparency, value for money and good governance in public administration.