The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the fight against economic sabotage and the promotion of regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s health sector.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, when the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
He stressed the critical importance of compliance to national development, noting that no anti-corruption effort would succeed without it.
“I am someone who believes in compliance. Without compliance, you can’t get anywhere. The difference between Third World countries and developed countries is compliance—people do the right thing and follow the rules,” he said.
Highlighting the EFCC’s wide mandate, Olukoyede explained that the Commission’s role covers not only financial crimes but also economic sabotage.
“There is an aspect of our mandate that empowers us to collaborate with stakeholders like NAFDAC. Anyone who exploits loopholes in our laws or regulations for financial gain—whether by smuggling fake drugs or sabotaging our oil pipelines—can be investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC. That’s economic sabotage,” he explained.
He pledged the EFCC’s full support in assisting NAFDAC’s regulatory efforts, particularly where such violations involve criminal financial benefits.
In her remarks, Professor Adeyeye said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two agencies to sustain the war against corruption and economic sabotage in the pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors.
Describing corruption as a “hydra-headed monster,” she stressed the need for multi-agency cooperation and public sensitization.
“NAFDAC wants to work closely with security agencies. I like things to work, but you need tools to make them work. Sensitization is key. We are not different from people in other countries—we are equally capable. But we need support. We still face challenges with some staff and clients who are willing to compromise,” she said.
Both agencies agreed to deepen their partnership in order to close regulatory loopholes, prosecute offenders, and ultimately protect the health and economic well-being of Nigerians.