The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for a nationwide rejection of corruption, warning that corrupt practices could undermine the gains of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms.

Olukoyede made the call on Thursday in Abuja in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary.

He said the reforms being pursued by government at various levels could only deliver meaningful progress if Nigerians matched them with accountable conduct and a firm rejection of corruption.

According to him, Nigeria had made significant progress in nation-building since independence, describing current reform efforts as “building blocks of the greater nation we desire.”

“At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building.

“All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

The EFCC chairman stressed that development efforts could be weakened if corruption continued to permeate public and private life.

“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts. Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!” Olukoyede said.

He expressed optimism about the country’s future while urging Nigerians to reject corrupt practices in all their forms and support efforts aimed at strengthening accountability and governance.