The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lamented how corruption perpetrated by former governors James Ibori, Joshua Dariye, and the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha has significantly damaged Nigeria?s reputation on the global stage.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this in Abuja while delivering a keynote speech at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria. He noted that high-profile fraud cases involving individuals such as Emmanuel Nwude, Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi), and Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha) have further tarnished the country?s image abroad.

Speaking through the EFCC?s Director of Public Affairs, Commander of the EFCC (CE) Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede stressed that Nigeria?s global standing is shaped by factors such as population, natural resource wealth, military strength, political stability, quality of leadership, institutional efficiency, rule of law, and the standard of living of its citizens.

While acknowledging the role of Nigerian missions in representing the country?s interests, he stressed that corruption remains a significant obstacle to their ability to project a positive image.

The EFCC chairman recounted how Nigeria?s reputation has suffered due to corruption scandals, both at home and internationally. He referenced the infamous 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit in London, where then-British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to Nigeria as ?fantastically corrupt.?

Olukoyede noted that while the remark was undiplomatic, it reflected the prevailing global perception of the country.

He further lamented that Nigerian missions abroad are not immune to corruption, citing allegations of unauthorised fees for services and poor accountability in managing allocated funds.

According to him, such practices further damage Nigeria?s reputation and complicate diplomatic efforts.

?Additionally, corruption-driven insecurity within Nigeria discourages foreign investment and tourism while making Nigerians targets of suspicion and persecution at international borders and in other countries,? he stated.

Olukoyede outlined the EFCC?s contributions toward rebuilding Nigeria?s global reputation. These include enforcement actions, collaborations with international law enforcement agencies, asset recovery, extradition of fraud suspects, and advisory services for foreign investors.

He stressed that these efforts demonstrate Nigeria?s commitment to combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

He urged Nigerian missions to complement the EFCC?s work by providing intelligence on corrupt Nigerians abroad, facilitating partnerships with foreign law enforcement agencies, assisting in asset recovery, and participating in international agreements to curb illicit financial flows.

Additionally, he encouraged Nigerian diplomats to engage in cultural diplomacy by showcasing the positive achievements of Nigerians globally and supporting exchange programs that allow foreigners to experience Nigeria firsthand.

Olukoyede concluded by stressing the importance of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises the operation of numbered accounts, mandates financial institutions to identify beneficial account owners, and prohibits public officers from maintaining foreign accounts.

He urged Nigerian diplomats to familiarise themselves with this legislation and support law enforcement agencies in ensuring compliance among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The EFCC Chairman also appealed to all Nigerian diplomats to uphold the ethics of their profession and prioritise national interest, stating that their contributions are essential in eradicating corruption and restoring Nigeria?s standing in the global community. (The Guardian)

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