From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to support its efforts in tackling illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic crime in the Niger Delta.
Head of the Port Harcourt zonal office of the Commission Usman Imam, made the appeal on Thursday, during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC in Port Harcourt.
Imam said the Commission expects the collaboration of all stakeholders in reducing if not completely eradicating the menace of illegal bunkering in the region.
“The mandate I have from the acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, is to bring illegal oil bunkering to the barest minimum if we cannot top it. I want to bring all stakeholders on board with a view to achieving this. I look forward to a wonderful working relationship with the NSCDC,” he said.
The EFCC Zonal Head further observed that the NSCDC’s mandate of protecting critical infrastructure tallies with that of the EFCC, which he said is safe guarding the nation’s economy through fighting economic crimes.
The EFCC boss commended the longstanding relationship between the NSCDC and the Commission, adding that his priority is to further strengthen the ties.
“It is in the national interest that the partnership between the EFCC and the NSCDC is strengthened.
“This is why I am here today, to formally introduce myself to you and seek your cooperation in enhancing the synergy between our agencies”, he said.
In his response, the NSDC Commandant, Mouhktar Lawal assured the EFCC of “robust cordial relationship”.
He added “We cannot do it alone, you cannot do it alone. There has to be synergy as we are all working towards a common purpose”,
