The president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has commended the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, for his leadership and efforts in strengthening the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya gave the commendation when she led a delegation of the association on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
“When we see things that are done and done properly, we appreciate them. We followed carefully what is being done at EFCC, especially the statistics in recoveries and convictions. We can see, feel, and hear the impact of his works,” the NBA president said.
Mrs Oyinkansola, who hailed the EFCC and other stakeholders for Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, said the development had improved the country’s business environment and boost confidence in the country’s financial system.
She added, “For us as lawyers, we are grateful for the removal of the country from the FATF grey list. This brings out increased inflows. Our clients are able to do business. Cross border- transactions are now seamless and less expensive. We are grateful to the Commission and we hope for more of such positive impact. We believe the efforts of the Commission will not regress.”
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the EFCC in promoting a lawful and orderly society.
“We are all part of the elimination of criminal activities and towards gaining a lawful and orderly society,” the NBA president noted.
In his remarks, Mr Olukoyede said the country’s removal from the FATF grey list was achieved through the collaboration of the EFCC and other sister agencies, while appreciating the NBA for its support.
“Most of the works that led to Nigeria’s removal from the list were done by EFCC and in collaboration with all our sister agencies. Nigeria is now on a better footing in the world financial ecosystem. We appreciate the support of the NBA because without your support, it would have been very difficult for us to achieve such a feat,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also said the commission conducts its investigations within the confines of the law, noting that it remains accountable to the public.
“One promise I made to Nigerians is to use the instrumentality of this law to stipulate the economy and pledge to work within the confines of law. We are responsible to the public,” Mr Olukoyede added.
