EFCC Boss Charges Guinness Nigeria on Regulatory Compliance

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged the management of Guinness Nigeria Plc to sustain strict compliance with rules and regulations in the course of doing business in the country.

Olukoyede gave the charge on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, while receiving the management team of the company, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Girish Sharma, at the Commission’s headquarters.

According to him, compliance remains the safest and most cost-effective path for corporate organizations.

“I keep telling people that it is cheaper for you to comply than not to comply. Whatever you think you are saving by avoiding compliance, you will eventually lose over time. The cost of compliance is never wasted,” he said.

The EFCC chairman commended Guinness Nigeria for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, noting that the company’s contributions to society reflected a dedication beyond profit-making.

He further stated that the Commission, aside from investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, also focuses on preventing crimes through its Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department, which works with public and private institutions to identify operational risk areas and strengthen internal controls.

Olukoyede also emphasized the importance of tax compliance, stressing that failure to file tax returns, underpayment of taxes, or failure to meet financial obligations to government constitutes an offence under the law.

“We no longer wait for crimes to be committed before acting. We now work closely with organizations to prevent financial crimes before they occur,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Sharma reaffirmed the company’s confidence in the Nigerian economy, noting that Guinness Nigeria has maintained operations in the country for 76 years despite prevailing economic challenges.

Also speaking, the company’s Corporate Relations and Legal Director, Rotimi Odusola, reiterated the organization’s commitment to ethical business practices and regulatory compliance.

“We believe there is no right way to do the wrong thing. Compliance with rules, regulations and laws remains central to the way we conduct our business,” he stated.

The statement was issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.