Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has lauded the remarkable transformation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the leadership of its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Ribadu praised Olukoyede for the swift progress and changes evident in the Commission since his assumption of office, noting that Nigerians are recognising his impactful contributions.
Speaking at the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC during the commissioning of its new edifice on Tuesday, the NSA expressed delight at the transformation witnessed not only in the physical structures but also within the EFCC itself.
“I am particularly delighted by the transformation of this complex and indeed the EFCC itself. Mr. Chairman, you are doing a good job. You are not just transforming the physical spaces and buildings but the EFCC itself. I can assure you that people are taking note of that,” the NSA commended Olukoyede and his team.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Tuesday night, highlighted the NSA’s call for the Commission to play a pivotal role in combating money laundering stemming from violent crimes like terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, ultimately aiming to restore stability and growth in Nigeria’s economy.
The NSA urged the EFCC to lead the way in rectifying past wrongdoings and mismanagement, stressing the importance of honesty, justice, and fairness.
Acknowledging the EFCC’s strides in curbing illicit financial flows, particularly within the Designated Non-Financial Sector (DNFS) through the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), the NSA encouraged continued enhancements in these efforts.
In his remarks, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mba, underscored the significance of the commissioning of the new edifice in reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the fight against corruption. He highlighted the adverse impacts of corruption on economic development, citing its deterrent effects on innovation, investment, job creation, and market prices.
“The commitment is well founded in view of the many proven negative effects corruption has on economic development. For example, corruption is globally acknowledged to reduce the adoption of innovative strategies within economies. Secondly, it tends to discourage direct investments both foreign and domestic while reducing the rate of emergence of new jobs and increasing the prices of products and services”, he said.
Earlier during the ceremony, the EFCC Chairman expressed his aspiration to foster an enabling environment to enhance staff productivity in line with the Commission’s mandate.
