The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged retired officers of the Commission to continue to protect its image and uphold the values of integrity and transparency, despite leaving active service.
Olukoyede gave the charge in Abuja on Friday, November 6, 2026, when members of the Association of Retired Officers of the EFCC paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters.
He commended the retirees for their contributions to building the anti-graft agency, describing their efforts as instrumental to its growth and achievements.
“Permit me to thank you for your contributions to building the EFCC. Your names will be written in gold. Without your legacy and efforts, the EFCC would not exist today,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman, who assumed office in October 2023, said his administration had prioritised internal reforms and restructuring to strengthen the Commission and safeguard its reputation.
“When I came on board as the Executive Chairman in October 2023, there was a serious need for reorganisation and restructuring for internal cleansing against corrupt practices,” he said.
He disclosed that the Commission had dismissed more than 40 staff members for gross misconduct and indiscipline as part of efforts to promote discipline and accountability within the organisation.
Olukoyede urged the retirees to remain good ambassadors of the EFCC, stressing that their conduct outside the Commission would continue to influence public perception of the institution.
The EFCC Chairman added: “The way you portray yourselves outside is very important. Let us come together and uphold the standard of this Commission. Respect this brand, EFCC. Do not tarnish this image. Let us join hands together to build this brand, EFCC. Let people know you were staff members of integrity and transparency.”
He acknowledged the contributions of retired officers to the Commission’s achievements, particularly in the areas of convictions and asset recoveries.
“We could not have achieved the convictions and recoveries without your support,” he said.
On the welfare of the retirees, the EFCC Chairman assured them of the Commission’s commitment to sustaining the payment of their severance packages, explaining that his administration had worked to strengthen the existing arrangement.
He further disclosed that the Commission was working towards reintegrating retired officers into its leadership development programmes as resource persons. He added that plans were underway to establish an EFCC Estate for serving and retired personnel on a subscription basis.
Earlier, the President of the Association, Dr. Ayo Olowonihi, said the visit was the group’s second engagement with the Commission, describing it as significant to many retired officers.
Olowonihi, a former Commandant of the EFCC Academy, expressed appreciation to the EFCC leadership for facilitating the payment of their severance packages and allowances.
He also acknowledged the contributions of serving and retired officers to the growth of the Commission, describing its achievements as the collective efforts of personnel who had served the organisation over the years.
The Association’s President particularly commended Olukoyede for his support in securing the group’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He disclosed that the Chairman had been appointed as the Association’s branch patron in recognition of his contributions.
“Our Association is now a registered entity to provide for the welfare of members and support the realisation of the EFCC’s mandate. We thank the EFCC Chairman for fast-tracking the registration.
“We cannot discount the truly outstanding contributions of the officers and men who gave their all to laying and building on the undeniably solid foundations of the Commission. We, the retired officers of this great organisation, are particularly grateful to you for maintaining the tradition of providing selfless leadership, not only in your current role as Chairman and Chief Executive but also in your former positions as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Commission,” he said.
Olowonihi appealed to the Commission to provide an office for the Association and establish a dedicated retirees’ welfare desk to address the concerns of former officers and strengthen their relationship with the Commission.
He also called for the recognition of retired officers’ professional expertise and experience, particularly through opportunities to contribute to the Commission’s training programmes.
“We appeal for a befitting office for the Association and a special retirees’ welfare desk to serve as the eyes and ears of the Commission for retirees. We seek recognition of our training and expertise, given our wealth of knowledge and years of experience. A strong retiree Association is a strong and valuable asset to the Commission,” he said.
