The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has alleged that public officers divert government funds on a continuous basis, warning that corruption remains a major threat to Nigeria’s development.
Olukoyede made the allegation on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions relating to public-sector corruption annually, saying many of the cases contain disturbing allegations.
He said the volume of corruption complaints had exposed the extent to which public resources were allegedly being diverted, leaving ordinary Nigerians to bear the consequences.
Olukoyede said some officials assumed office with less than N100,000 in their bank accounts but were later linked to millions of dollars after spending about three years in office.
According to him, some public officials also acquire hundreds of houses while still serving in government, describing the trend as evidence of the damaging impact of corruption on the country.
The EFCC boss urged Nigerians to reject corrupt practices and called for collective action against the misuse of public resources, stressing that citizens should not continue to bear the consequences of fraudulent activities.
He said public officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship, adding that transparency and accountability should remain fundamental principles in public service.
