Amanze Chinonye
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to prioritise regulatory compliance and financial accountability to safeguard the future of sports development in Nigeria.
Olukoyede made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and members of the commission’s top management team to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
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The EFCC boss said the anti-graft agency was committed to working with the NSC to prevent financial infractions before they escalate into matters requiring investigation. He noted that the commission had previously investigated some former sports administrators, with several case files still active.
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According to him, the EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department would collaborate with the NSC to establish compliance frameworks aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring transparency in procurement processes, contract awards and fund management.
Olukoyede expressed concern over the alleged mismanagement of grants, subventions and financial rewards received from international sporting organisations by previous sports administrators, warning that such practices must not be repeated.
He said the planned collaboration would also examine existing contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including those related to the newly established National Anti-Doping Agency, to identify and address potential areas of financial risk.
Emphasising the importance of preventive measures, the EFCC chairman said the agency would work with the NSC to review its operational structures, systems and processes with a view to developing a risk assessment framework capable of reducing vulnerabilities to financial misconduct.
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Olukoyede also commended Dikko’s leadership, stating that the current management had introduced notable reforms that were attracting increased private-sector participation and sponsorship in Nigerian sports.
He observed that sports were increasingly being recognised as a national asset capable of contributing to economic growth and national development, adding that the EFCC was ready to establish a liaison desk to support the commission’s compliance efforts.
In his response, Dikko said the visit was part of efforts to build partnerships with relevant institutions in advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Sports.
He stated that the NSC was determined to improve transparency within the sports sector and had established an independent integrity board to ensure proper governance and accountability.
Dikko lamented that for many years, Nigeria’s participation in international competitions often yielded limited benefits, stressing the need for deliberate policies, strong institutional frameworks and strategic collaborations to achieve meaningful results.
He further described sports as a critical sector with the potential to drive economic growth, social development and national unity, while calling for greater private-sector involvement to complement government efforts in the industry.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
