Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has thrown strong support behind the newly introduced online asset declaration system by the Code of Conduct Bureau, describing it as a transformative step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
Speaking through the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, at a workshop in Abuja, Olukoyede said the initiative marks a decisive shift toward transparency and accountability in public service.
“I believe that the introduction of online asset declaration signals a huge step forward in the fight against corruption, as it offers Nigeria an opportunity to enhance transparency, promote accountability and foster trust in governance,” he stated.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Compliance with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in Nigeria and the Deployment of the Online Assets and Liabilities Declaration Systems, OALDS”, was organised in collaboration with the European Union, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and International IDEA.
Olukoyede emphasised that migrating from the traditional manual system to a digital platform would eliminate long-standing inefficiencies and human interference that have historically weakened compliance.
“Migrating from the age-long manual declaration system to a digital asset declaration platform is revolutionary, it eliminates human interference and overcomes bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.
He further highlighted that the system’s digital footprint would enhance real-time monitoring and significantly aid law enforcement agencies in verifying asset declarations by public officers.
“Online declaration also offers digital footprints, which encourages real-time monitoring, such footprints assist us in verifying asset declaration by public officers,” he added.
The EFCC boss urged public officials across all tiers of government to embrace the innovation, noting that their commitment would be critical to its success.
“Your personal example and commitment to this initiative will make all the difference, I charge public officers to embrace this system as part of broader efforts to build trust and enhance integrity in governance,” he said.
He also assured that the EFCC would work closely with the CCB to enforce compliance, expressing optimism that the digital shift would significantly improve adherence to asset declaration laws nationwide.
