By Nkechi Eze
The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has applauded the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for the sweeping reforms he has introduced in the anti-graft agency over the last two years.
Akpabio gave the commendation on Thursday, September 11, 2025, when she led the SSDC management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement.
“We would like to acknowledge the reforms you and your Commission have put in place in the anti-corruption fight under your watch,” Akpabio said. “You have brought in a lot of accountability, integrity and transparency in this Commission. We are here to say that we want to collaborate with you. We are open to initiatives and training from the EFCC, especially in ensuring that all our internal and external activities embrace full compliance not just for the Commission, but also to join in the fight to uphold regional integrity.”
Adding his voice, SSDC board member representing Cross River State, Larry Odey, described Olukoyede’s tenure as a turning point. “Your tenure truly represents a watershed, the end of an era and the beginning of another. That in itself speaks volumes of what everyone is saying—that you have tried to be above board and tried to walk your talk. There are clear indications everywhere to show to the whole country that you are set to change the narratives. I can only implore you and your team to continue the good work. It’s not easy to change an individual, not to talk of changing the society,” Odey remarked.
In his response, Olukoyede welcomed the delegation warmly, noting that as a pioneer management team, much was expected of SSDC in transforming the lives of people in the six Niger Delta states. He drew lessons from the experiences of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which had fallen short of expectations, stressing that integrity, accountability and transparency must guide SSDC’s work.
“Given your mandate, so much is expected of you and your team. I remember that there was so much expectation from the NDDC when it was put in place, but at a point, we had to go in there. Establish yourself and let people know that your Commission is founded on integrity, accountability and transparency,” Olukoyede urged. “He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. If you don’t have integrity, you have lost it all, so also with accountability.”
The EFCC chairman reminded the delegation that their appointment should be seen as a call to service, stressing the need to make visible impact in the oil-rich but underdeveloped region. He lamented the poverty he witnessed during a recent visit, despite the Niger Delta’s vast resources.
“The last time I was in that place, I saw abject poverty in spite of the fact that the region is the goose that lays the golden egg. The people have been deprived of the natural resources that God has given them. That was why I went to Bayelsa sometime ago to commission some NDDC projects because those projects were executed with the funds that we recovered for them, billions and millions of dollars. And we are still recovering more for them. We just feel that that region should be given a sense of good governance, at least for the first time. So, I want to implore you from day one to start making your impact,” Olukoyede said.
He advised Akpabio and her team to prioritize transparency and public accountability, including publishing all expenditure and projects online for verification. He further cautioned them against corruption and misuse of resources, urging strict adherence to Nigeria’s financial laws and the Public Procurement Act.
“I advise all of you to go and get the financial laws and regulations of Nigeria; get the Public Procurement Act, familiarize yourself with them. Let them be your Bible and your Quran. The Public Procurement Act will guide your procurement processes. Don’t make yourself vulnerable. Make sure that there is value for every dime you spend. Make sure there is value for every contract you award. Madam MD, take your time before you put your signature on any paper. If you don’t understand, ask those who have the knowledge to explain to you, and explain to you again. You are the one that my people will go for. Rest assured of our support and collaboration in ensuring that you succeed with your mandate,” he concluded.
