The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has advocated for the prompt and unconditional repatriation of Nigerian assets unlawfully held in foreign countries.
Speaking at the 10th session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Atlanta, USA, Olukoyede stressed the urgency of bringing back stolen assets stored abroad to foster economic growth and development within and beyond Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with countries safeguarding these assets, describing their cooperation as vital in the global fight against corruption.
Olukoyede stated, “When you look at corruption, it has become a transnational crime. If you are holding on to those assets, you are creating very difficult legal hurdles in recovering those assets. You are indirectly encouraging the perpetrators of the crimes we are talking about.”
He urged international cooperation, stating that supporting Nigeria in asset recovery efforts is a way for countries to be seen as allies in the fight against corruption.
