Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has hailed the media’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, urging journalists to remain courageous, resilient, and united in holding public officials accountable.
Speaking at the Nigerian Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC) Annual Lecture in Lagos, his chief of staff, Mr Ezekwe Michael emphasised that the media must continue to serve as a critical watchdog in the quest for justice and transparency.
“When efforts are acknowledged as they are today, it serves as a morale booster and reinforces our resolve to continue the fight with renewed vigour,” he said.
Olukoyede noted a growing number of Nigerians now see the anti-corruption fight as a patriotic duty, underscoring the media’s role in promoting accountability and national integrity.
“We must accept the painful truth that every corrupt act chips away at our collective dignity and undermines our national aspirations. We can no longer treat corruption with levity,” he added. “We must be firm, resolute, and united.”
He called for broad collaboration across sectors, stressing that the media has the power to shape public discourse, expose wrongdoing, and foster a culture where integrity is celebrated and misconduct is punished.
In her keynote address, Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki, called for a strong call for urgent reform of Nigeria’s justice system.
Justice Bankole-Oki warned that public confidence in the judiciary is eroding and called for joint efforts by the government, judiciary, legal professionals, and the media to restore trust.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. Public trust has waned—and rightly so,” she said.
She advocated for the adoption of modern technology, international best practices, and increased public engagement to address systemic inefficiencies.
Highlighting initiatives in the Lagos State Judiciary, she called for the nationwide implementation of virtual hearings, e-filing, online dispute resolution, and paperless trials to tackle delays and backlogs.
She also urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and state judicial bodies to prioritize digital modernization, including secure storage of electronic evidence.
While recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence in legal research and case management, she warned against overdependence.
“Technology, media, international benchmarks, and public feedback are no longer optional—they are essential for building an efficient, transparent justice system,” she said.
Justice Bankole-Oki further emphasised the need for responsible journalism, cautioning against sensational headlines that could erode judicial credibility.
She criticized proposals such as mandatory blogger registration, warning they could threaten free speech, even as she urged greater media accountability and accuracy.
On whistleblower protection, she encouraged the media to verify information before publication and support safeguards against retaliation, while discouraging misuse of the process.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho—represented by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa—called for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and court reporters to enhance accurate and fair reporting.
Chairman of the occasion, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s recent initiative to publish judicial nominees for public input, describing it as a milestone in judicial transparency.
NAJUC Chairman, Mr. Olugbenga Soyele, described the event’s theme—”Strengthening the Administration of Justice Through Technology, International Best Practices, Media, and Public Feedback”—as both timely and essential.
The lecture concluded with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to EFCC Chairman Olukoyede in recognition of his dedication to the anti-corruption crusade.