International IDEA Commends EFCC and NACIWA’s Leadership in Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts Across West Africa

The President of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) and Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, received commendation from the Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Mr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, on the tangible progress recorded in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

Casas-Zamora gave the commendation in Abuja on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during a visit by senior officials of IDEA to the EFCC. The visit was aimed at updating Olukoyede on the progress and key achievements recorded under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and to explore additional areas of collaboration between both institutions.

Speaking during the engagement, Casas-Zamora acknowledged the guidance and leadership provided by Olukoyede throughout the implementation of a critical component of the RoLAC Programme. He noted that the EFCC’s commitment and cooperation contributed significantly to the achievements recorded under the initiative. He further emphasized International IDEA’s continued commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, commended the successful implementation of activities supported under the RoLAC Programme—including support provided to the 2025 NACIWA Annual General Assembly and related anti-corruption initiatives—and underscored the significance of Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List and the reforms that contributed to this achievement. Casas-Zamora also expressed IDEA’s interest in sustaining gains already recorded under the RoLAC Programme, expanding areas of collaboration, and highlighted the regulation of the role of money in politics as a potential area for future engagement and reform support.

Responding, Olukoyede, in his capacity as President of NACIWA, emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships among anti-corruption institutions, governance bodies, and development partners in advancing transparency, accountability, and the rule of law across West Africa. He noted that collaborative efforts such as the RoLAC Programme strengthen institutional capacity, promote integrity in public service, and support collective regional efforts to prevent and combat corruption. Olukoyede further expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the EFCC and International IDEA, stressing that while anti-corruption work remains complex and requires strong collaboration among stakeholders, the Commission has recorded significant successes in investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and asset recovery. He added that while enforcement outcomes remain important, the Commission is increasingly prioritizing prevention-focused interventions as a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to combating corruption.

The engagement further highlighted the shared commitment of NACIWA, IDEA, EFCC, and other stakeholders to fostering good governance, strengthening public institutions, and advancing sustainable development through effective anti-corruption measures and adherence to the rule of law.