By 
Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has announced that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assisted in recovering over N9 billion in debts owed to the Fund.
On Friday, August 23, Adeyanju, accompanied by the NLTF management team, visited EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He praised the recovery of debts as a significant achievement, noting that it has enabled the Fund to support the federal government in fulfilling its commitments to provide social and physical infrastructure nationwide.
He said “I want to thank the EFCC Chairman for the excellent outcome of our collaboration on the recovery of outstanding lottery liabilities to the federal government which has led to significant improvement of remittances by lottery operators to the Trust Fund. I must commend and thank you for providing leadership and recovering over N9 billion for the National Lottery Trust Fund.
“This is a big feat for us. This has ensured that the Trust Fund played its role in the fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in spreading good causes across the country.”
The NLTF leader also praised Olukoyede for the progress made in the fight against corruption and recovery of debts so far.
He further said, “I am aware that you have recovered over N200 billion and over $58 million of looted funds within the period.”
Adeyanju urged the Commission to continue its efforts in recovering shortfalls in lottery proceeds, emphasizing that the NLTF’s ability to address various national needs depends on operators and stakeholders fulfilling their financial obligations to the government.
In reply, Olukoyede acknowledged that while Adeyanju was new in his role, he had already demonstrated a strong commitment to integrity and focus. Olukoyede advised Adeyanju to be mindful of the legacy he will leave at the end of his tenure, given his position of trust.
He said, “I want to advise you to be careful in the application of the funds available to you. Like they say in Nigeria’s local parlance ‘shine your eye.’ Don’t put your signature on what you are not sure of. Read every memo that comes to you and make sure that your people on the field monitor the execution of the projects that you are allocating money for. Be guided by your conscience. Always do what is right. We are here today but we are not going to be here forever. A day will come when we will be called to account for our deeds in office, so let that guide your disposition to work. I say the same thing to members of your team.”
The Chairman assured the delegation that the EFCC would continue to improve its collaboration on recovery of debts, emphasizing that it is a statutory duty of the Commission.
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