The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has raised concern over widespread disregard for due process across Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), warning that non-compliance with financial regulations is fuelling systemic corruption.

Speaking on Tuesday during a visit by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Abuja, Olukoyede said many public institutions routinely flout established procedures in contract awards, financial operations and internal management.

“If there’s anything most of our MDAs are lacking, it is the issue of compliance,” Olukoyede stated. “There is a lack of compliance in the process of award of contract, management processes, financial regulations and all that. Most agencies don’t comply and that’s what leads to corruption and financial crimes.”

The anti-corruption chief cautioned that procedural breaches create loopholes for exploitation, allowing individuals to manipulate systems unchecked. “When you don’t comply, it’s a breach. And the moment there is a breach, it gives room for anything… others who have been waiting and watching will take advantage and perpetrate even greater evil.”

Despite his criticism, Olukoyede praised NASENI for taking proactive steps to ensure transparency. He commended the agency’s development of a Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the EFCC.

“CRA is good, but it will not bring any change except if the people are ready to change and follow due process,” he said, pledging continued EFCC support to strengthen institutional accountability.

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, said the visit was to appreciate the EFCC’s involvement in improving internal systems. He disclosed that a joint team of EFCC and NASENI staff had developed a 1,900-page SOP compiled into 45 booklets.

“This project is a great achievement for NASENI,” Halilu said, adding that it reflects a firm commitment to curbing corruption in the public sector.