Dare Babalola
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
Olukoyede made the call on Monday during a working visit by senior officers of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate to eight law enforcement agencies in Niger State.
The agencies visited include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Speaking through the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Command, Ahmed M. Ghali, Olukoyede described inter-agency cooperation as indispensable to achieving the mandates of security and anti-corruption bodies.
“This synergy is essential for effective intelligence sharing and joint operations in the course of carrying out our distinct mandates, which are geared towards improving the economy,” he said.
He added that no single agency can succeed in isolation, stressing that sustained collaboration would help overcome operational challenges and consolidate existing gains in the anti-corruption fight.
“With continuous, closely-knit inter-agency engagements, we will be able to surmount any challenge we face. Let’s not overlook this very vital instrument that has led to our record of successes,” he added.
Responding, heads of the host agencies commended the EFCC for its resilience, professionalism and commitment in tackling economic and financial crimes despite prevailing challenges.
They also emphasised the need to treat corruption as a common enemy, calling for stronger partnerships and coordinated efforts among agencies to effectively combat the menace.
