The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Productivity Centre (NPC) have announced a strategic partnership to address corruption and improve productivity across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The collaboration was formalized on Thursday, September 5, 2024, during a courtesy visit by NPC Director-General, Baffa Babban Dan’agundi, to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Dan’agundi emphasized that the partnership would support the NPC’s mission of monitoring and enhancing the productivity of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the country. He noted that since taking office just a month ago, the NPC has initiated engagements with several MDAs, yielding positive feedback. “We have started working with some of the MDAs, and they are sending a lot of accolades. We had only three training sessions when I came, and I understand we have a lot to do in terms of improving the productivity of the MDAs and the country at large,” Dan’agundi stated.
He further expressed optimism that the collaboration with the EFCC would enable the NPC to fully implement its mandate. “We believe the mandate of this agency should be put into use, and some of these actions which we have started enrolling… We hope you’ll work with us and that you will give us this opportunity, and we pray we don’t disappoint you,” Dan’agundi added.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, welcomed the partnership, noting that corruption is a significant barrier to national productivity. He highlighted the need for a robust approach to measuring productivity, not only through awards but also through tangible actions. “There is a nexus between the issue of productivity and corruption… I believe this is an area where we can collaborate and work together. You have a huge assignment and task in your hand. Before now, the only thing we heard about your agency was giving productivity awards, and no other thing,” Olukoyede remarked.
Olukoyede urged the NPC to extend its efforts beyond recognizing achievements with awards, by implementing comprehensive productivity assessments at the local government and federal levels. He also advised the NPC to exercise caution and diligence in selecting award recipients, to ensure that accolades are not given to individuals involved in financial crimes. “In the past, we have seen where awards were given to all manners of criminals and other financial crimes suspects… Be diligent in the people you give awards to,” he cautioned.
The EFCC and NPC have committed to collaborate in areas including training, administration, and Servicom, with Olukoyede expressing the EFCC’s willingness to learn from the NPC, particularly in administrative and service delivery processes. “We are open to knowledge every time. If there are areas where we can collaborate, particularly in the area of administration and Servicom, we don’t mind; we are open to it,” he concluded.
This partnership marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance productivity and integrity within Nigerian public institutions, aligning with broader national objectives of economic growth and good governance.
