The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for credible and timely information-sharing among anti-corruption and security agencies as part of efforts to tackle economic and financial crimes and address national insecurity.
Olukoyede made the call through the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate, ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim, on Thursday, while receiving the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Wale Adewole, during a familiarization visit.
Welcoming the Controller, Olukoyede noted that the visit was timely, stressing the need to strengthen existing collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure both agencies effectively deliver on their mandates.
“There is no better time than now for this visit to ensure that the existing collaboration and synergy between the NCS and the EFCC is further strengthened,” he said.
He emphasized that improved cooperation would contribute significantly to economic growth, curb smuggling, and enhance government revenue generation.
“Emphasis must be placed on adequate and timely information and intelligence sharing between the NCS and the EFCC that would help combat economic and financial crimes, insecurity, smuggling and generate revenue for the government,” Olukoyede added.
The EFCC Chairman also highlighted the importance of continuous inter-agency training and re-training of personnel to promote professionalism and integrity in the discharge of official duties. He assured the Customs leadership of the Commission’s readiness to support productive collaborations.
In his remarks, DC Adewole described the visit as part of his official responsibilities as the newly appointed Controller.
“As the newly appointed Customs Area Controller, it is mandatory for me to embark on a familiarization visit to all relevant stakeholders and sister agencies in Oyo and Osun States to ensure that the financial aspects of our official duties are not sabotaged,” he stated.
He further assured the EFCC of the Customs Service’s commitment to sustained support and collaboration for improved service delivery.
The renewed partnership between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service is expected to enhance intelligence coordination and reinforce the fight against economic sabotage across Oyo and Osun States.