Play by the rules, Olukoyede tasks business community

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged operators in both the private and public sector to always observe ethics in the conduct of their affairs so as not to attract the wrath of the Commission.

He gave the charge on Monday, April 28, 2025 when he received a delegation of Total Energies, led by its Country Chair and Managing Director, Mathew Bouyer in his office.

“One of the mandates that we have is to use the instrumentality of this work to stimulate the economy. So, it’s important for us to identify key players like you and see how we can work together. It is extremely important because one of the key factors of measurement of success in any business or any endeavour is the ability to play by the rules, to do the right thing at the right time. And that is why we are here, to ensure that you play by the rules and to also ensure that you operate in a smooth financial ecosystem that would encourage businesses, whether on your own side or on the side of those who are trying to cut corners in their partnership with you. Play by the rules for us to continue to be friends,” he said.

While acknowledging that the company is one of the major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, he assured the delegation of the Commission’s capacity to ensure a sane operational environment for companies and individuals that play by the rules in the country.

“I want to thank you for taking special interest in Nigeria, being here in the past 60 years is no small feat. As one of the major players in the oil and gas industry, we want to continue to encourage you and to assure you that on our part we will do everything possible to create a conducive environment and also a sane financial system for you to work”, he said.

A delighted Bouyer in his remarks disclosed that the visit was for the management team of the company to familiarize itself with the EFCC and a demonstration of a desire to forge a relationship with the Commission.

“It was quite important for us to come to greet you and to demonstrate the relationship we want to build with the EFCC, going forward. We are one of the key partners in the finances of Nigeria. We are here to stay and we are here for the long run,” he said.

Speaking further, Bouyer stated that “We are today one of the largest operators of oil and gas production in Nigeria. We are operating around 20 percent of the oil and gas in the country on oil terrains, onshore, offshore. Clearly our commitment to Nigeria is big and we have the responsibility to also keep a reliable supply and delivery of the products. There’s a lot of energy in the EFCC and I’m sure that total energies have been deployed in the Commission in the last one year. Congratulations for the results.”