President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, on his birthday on Tuesday, praising his record in fighting economic crimes and reforming the anti-graft agency.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said Mr Olukoyede had “demonstrated professionalism and courage in the discharge of his duties, reinforcing the EFCC’s mission to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes.”
He also commended the EFCC chairman for strengthening transparency, implementing institutional reforms, and establishing a special task force on currency offences to combat naira abuse and the dollarisation of the economy.
Born in 1969 in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Mr Olukoyede is a seasoned legal practitioner, certified fraud examiner, and regulatory compliance consultant with over two decades of experience.
He previously served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the EFCC, roles that positioned him as a key figure in Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.
President Tinubu appointed him as EFCC chairperson in October 2023.
READ ALSO: EFCC launches probe into undeclared foreign cash intercepted at Lagos Airport
Since taking office, Mr Olukoyede has introduced new departments, including the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Directorate, designed to track public funds and monitor major contracts to curb corruption before it occurs.
Under his leadership, the EFCC secured 4,111 convictions in 2024 and recovered over N100 billion in assets, according to the commission’s reports.
Mr Olukoyede’s administration has pursued high-profile cases involving former governors and ministers, while tackling internet fraud and naira abuse.
Speaking at a management retreat in March, he said, “Integrity and professionalism are key to the EFCC’s continued relevance and effectiveness,” highlighting his commitment to strengthening the agency’s credibility and preventive mandate.
President Tinubu prayed that God would “guard and guide” the EFCC chairman and bless his efforts to rid Nigeria of longstanding economic ills.