The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on religious leaders to use their influence to preach against corruption. Speaking at the second 2026 Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized the crucial role faith communities play in preventing corrupt practices. He noted that while the EFCC can investigate and prosecute corruption, faith communities can shape individuals' characters and promote honesty.
Olukoyede highlighted the significance of religious institutions in Nigeria's fight against corruption, stating that they have an "extraordinary responsibility" to promote anti-corruption messages. He emphasized that the influence of pastors and imams can extend beyond the enforcement powers of the EFCC. According to Olukoyede, faith communities can cultivate honesty and challenge the values that make society worship wealth without questioning its source.
The EFCC Chairman stressed that corruption should not be viewed through religious or ethnic lenses, as its consequences affect all Nigerians regardless of their faith. He noted that financial crimes have no religion and that corruption has no tribe. Olukoyede cited examples of how corruption affects Nigerians across different faiths, including access to healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
Olukoyede urged pastors and imams to use the newly launched manual to educate their followers on the negative impacts of corruption and challenge the pursuit of wealth without regard to its source. He disclosed that the EFCC has been engaging Christian and Muslim leaders through its interfaith framework to promote anti-corruption messages. The EFCC boss emphasized that no religion condones corruption and that faith communities can play a vital role in preventing it.
The newly launched manual was developed with the participation of leaders of both Christian and Muslim faiths and contains the doctrinal positions of Christianity and Islam on corruption. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Prof Cornelius Omonokhua, noted that the manual and facilitators' guides were designed to assist Christian and Muslim preachers in communicating authentic religious teachings against corruption.
The event was attended by prominent religious and government leaders, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu, emphasized the need for religious leaders and other stakeholders to work together to address insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.
The EFCC has previously identified engagement with faith-based organisations as part of its preventive anti-corruption strategy, including the development of interfaith manuals for Christians and Muslims. The commission's efforts aim to promote a culture of integrity and accountability, with faith communities playing a vital role in shaping the values and behaviours of their followers.
Key points
- The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has urged religious leaders to use their influence to preach against corruption and promote honesty.
- The EFCC has developed an Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual to guide Christian and Muslim preachers in communicating anti-corruption messages.
- Corruption affects Nigerians across different faiths, and its consequences include limited access to healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
