The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized the need for corruption fighters across the country to proactively stay ahead of fraudsters in intelligence, focus, thinking, and strategies.
This charge was delivered during a courtesy visit by representatives of The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) on Thursday at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Mr. Olukoyede highlighted the dynamic nature of fraudulent schemes and fraudsters worldwide, particularly with the advancements in technology. In response to these challenges, he urged corruption fighters to enhance their skills continuously, emphasizing the importance of being dynamic and resourceful in the ever-evolving landscape of economic and financial crimes.
During the visit, Mr. Olukoyede commended RoLAC for its consistent commitment to the cause of fighting corruption. He expressed the EFCC’s unwavering collaboration with RoLAC in promoting transparency and ensuring sound justice delivery within the anti-corruption sector. Mr. Olukoyede urged for increased support, particularly in the area of capacity building.
In their presentations, Mr. Danladi Plang, RoLAC’s Head of Programme, and Dr. Emmanuel Uche, Programme Manager on Anti-Corruption, shared that the European Union (EU) expressed satisfaction with RoLAC’s programs in collaboration with the EFCC. They pledged the EU’s continued support, aligning their priorities with those of the EFCC, especially in the areas of capacity building, improved technology, research, and training to combat corruption.
According to Plang, the EU-funded projects through RoLAC are in the second phase of implementation, with the first phase concluding successfully in March 2023. Notably, the EFCC benefited from the development of E-achieve, a Strategic Plan, and support for capacity building in investigation and prosecution during the initial phase.
Mr. Uche emphasized the EU’s recognition of the impactful partnership with the EFCC, stating that phase two aims to further enhance the capacity of the Commission’s investigators, prosecutors, including the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), the Academy, and operational staff.
Dr. Emmanuel Uche stressed the EFCC’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s leading anti-graft agency, urging the Commission to sustain its coordination efforts with other agencies, especially emerging anti-corruption bodies in various states. The goal is to strengthen the criminal justice system for more effective outcomes in combating corruption.
In her contributions, Commander CE Hadiza Gamawa, Director of the Department of Planning, Policy, Research, and Statistics at the EFCC, expressed appreciation for RoLAC’s continued support over the years. She highlighted the ongoing need for increased support to ensure the EFCC continues delivering optimal results in its fight against corruption.
Benedict Agweye, the Director of Forensics and Laboratory at the EFCC, added that the Commission has been actively providing support to other agencies, particularly in the field of forensics, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in the broader fight against corruption.
