The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see GIABA provide technical assistance to the Commission in furtherance of its mandate of fighting economic crimes and corruption. Speaking at the signing ceremony which took place at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, the Director- General of GIABA, Dr Abdullahi Shehu said the technical support his organization is offering the EFCC should be able to strengthen its capacity in the area of investigation and diligent prosecution with a view to increasing the number of convictions.
He also expressed delight that the technical assistance was motivated by a well-articulated proposal from EFCC, which he believes would also strengthen the management of the suspicious and currency transaction reports from reporting entities.
The GIABA boss said the Commission has given him a lot to be grateful for, both as an individual and the head of the regional body. "I want to express my deepest appreciation to EFCC for the work it is doing especially for the support it has given GIABA. I have promoted EFCC as model law enforcement agency which other agencies can benefit from," he stated.
While describing the appointment of Ibrahim Lamorde as the substantive chairman of EFCC as timely and strategic, Shehu said Lamorde's deep understanding of the job will propel the EFCC to greater heights.
Responding, EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde said the fight against economic crime and corruption was not dependent on EFCC alone especially as it concerns conviction, as there are institutions that play crucial roles in the justice chain. "All we can promise is to increase on the numbers of cases while improving on their prosecution." Lamorde stated.
While thanking GIABA for the support, Lamorde gave assurance that the Commission will maximize the opportunity with the highest sense of responsibility and transparency.
He expresses his appreciation to Dr. Shehu who was a former Director of the EFCC Academy for being a good ambassador of EFCC, describing the technical support as a milestone.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials of both agencies. Mr Lamorde signed for the EFCC while Dr, Shehu signed on behalf of GIABA.
GIABA, the Dakar, Senegal-based organisation is an organ of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for coordinating the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa.
Media & Publicity Unit
6th March, 2013