The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts in combating economic and financial crimes and recovering proceeds of crime.
Badejo-Okusanya gave the commendation on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when she led a delegation of the NBA on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
She said the Association had followed the activities of the Commission, particularly its reported recoveries and convictions, and acknowledged what she described as the impact of its work.
“When we see things that are done and done properly, we appreciate them. We followed carefully what is being done at EFCC, especially the statistics in recoveries and convictions. We can see, feel, and hear the impact of his works,” she said.
The NBA President also commended the EFCC and other government institutions involved in Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the grey list.
Nigeria was removed from the FATF grey list in October 2025 after the country demonstrated progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework.
Badejo-Okusanya said the development had positive implications for Nigeria’s business environment, particularly by improving conditions for cross-border transactions.
“For us as lawyers, we are grateful for the removal of the country from the FATF grey list. This brings out increased inflows. Our clients are able to do business. Cross-border transactions are now seamless and less expensive,” she said.
She expressed the NBA’s hope that the progress would be sustained, while reiterating the Association’s willingness to deepen its partnership with the EFCC.
According to her, a strong legal system is essential to economic development, adding that the NBA was ready to contribute its professional expertise to efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law and combating financial crimes.
Badejo-Okusanya specifically called for closer collaboration between the two institutions in areas including knowledge sharing and professional expertise.
Responding, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list was achieved through the combined efforts of the EFCC and other government agencies.
“Most of the works that led to Nigeria’s removal from the list were done by EFCC and in collaboration with all our sister agencies. Nigeria is now on a better footing in the world financial ecosystem,” Olukoyede said.
He appreciated the NBA’s support, noting that collaboration with professional institutions had contributed to the country’s progress.
The EFCC chairman also reaffirmed that the Commission conducts its investigations within the provisions of the law and remains accountable to the public.
“One promise I made to Nigerians is to use the instrumentality of this law to stipulate the economy and pledge to work within the confines of law. We are responsible to the public,” he said.
Olukoyede further disclosed that the EFCC was placing greater emphasis on preventive measures against financial crimes rather than waiting until funds had been stolen before taking action.
He cited the establishment of the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department as part of the Commission’s preventive approach.
“We are committed to this and this is why a whole Department, Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, FRAC, was established,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the NBA, including efforts aimed at promoting professional standards within the legal profession and improving cooperation between the two institutions in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
