The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for the reforms he has introduced in the commission over the past two years.
Akpabio gave the commendation on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where she led a delegation of SSDC management.
“We acknowledge the reforms you have driven in the fight against corruption under your leadership. You have brought greater accountability, integrity, and transparency to the Commission.
“We are here to express our readiness to collaborate with the EFCC through initiatives and training, to ensure that our internal and external activities fully embrace compliance and also contribute to upholding regional integrity,” Akpabio said.
Adding his voice, SSDC board member representing Cross River State, Larry Odey, described Olukoyede’s tenure as transformative.
“Your leadership marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. You have tried to be above board, and there are clear signs that you are changing the narrative. It is not easy to change an individual, much less society, but you and your team are making that effort,” he noted.
In his response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed the delegation and reminded the SSDC team of the weight of expectations on them as the pioneer leadership of the newly established commission for the Niger Delta region.
“Your mandate carries high expectations. When the NDDC was set up, people hoped for positive change, but at some point, we had to step in due to lapses.
“You must establish SSDC on the foundation of integrity, accountability, and transparency. These three values must guide all your actions,” Olukoyede said.
He urged the SSDC leadership to see their appointments as a call to service, stressing that the Niger Delta, despite being the economic hub of Nigeria, remains plagued by poverty and underdevelopment.
“That region has been deprived of the benefits of its natural resources. When I visited Bayelsa, I commissioned NDDC projects executed with funds recovered by the EFCC, billions of naira and millions of dollars. We are still recovering more.
“The people deserve to feel the impact of good governance, perhaps for the first time,” he stated.
Olukoyede advised Akpabio and her team to identify priority areas where they could make a measurable impact, ensure transparent use of funds, and maintain public trust by publishing all spending and projects.
“Don’t repeat the mistakes of others. Build a reputation for integrity. Study the financial regulations of Nigeria, especially the Public Procurement Act, and let them guide your processes. Ensure value for every contract and every kobo spent.
Madam MD, be cautious before signing documents, if you don’t understand, ask questions. The responsibility will rest on you,” he cautioned.
He assured the SSDC of EFCC’s full support and collaboration to help the commission succeed in its mandate of improving the lives of the people of the South South region.
(EFCC)
