By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant progress in the fight against economic and financial crimes, securing 3,412 convictions and recovering vast sums of money both in local and foreign denominations.
Special adviser, Strategic Communication to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa stated this in his opening statement at a Joint Press Briefing by Security, Defence and Response Agencies under the auspecies of the Strategic Communications Interagency Advisory Policy Committee in Abuja on Thursday.
“The recovered amounts include N161,642,239,242.30 (One Hundred and Sixty Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Sevene
Naira, Thirty Kobo), $43,835,214.24 (Forty-Three Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Fourteen Dollars, Twenty-Four Cents), £25,365.00 (Twenty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Pounds), €186,947.10 (One Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents), ₹51,360.00 (Fifty-One Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Rupees), C$3,750.00 (Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Canadian Dollars), A$740.00 (Seven Hundred and Forty Dollars), ¥74,754.00 (Seventy-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Four Yen), R35,000.00 (Thirty-Five Thousand Rand), 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams (Forty-Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety Dirhams), 247.00 Riyals (Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Riyals), and 21,580,867.631 Crypto Currency (Twenty-One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Seven Crypto Currency Units, Six Hundred and Thirty-One Cents).
“The EFCC has also taken bold steps to combat corruption, including the investigation of several politically exposed persons including former ministers and governors, and the launch of a crackdown on internet fraudsters and currency racketeers, securing over 50 convictions. The EFCC’s Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the Economy is working to protect the sanctity and strength of the Naira.
“To prevent corruption, the EFCC has established a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control department (FRAC) to identify vulnerabilities in government agencies and launch preventive measures.
“Meanwhile, Key achievements and initiatives of ICPC includes the recovery and forfeiture of assets, recovering over N66billion in cash and rent on forfeited assets. Assets worth N5.882 billion were restrained, and N366.97 million was forfeited through judicial processes.
“Investigations and prosecutions saw 131 investigations and 18 convictions. Education and training programs were organized with 25 training sessions and 2,244 participants. Public awareness initiatives implemented diverse public education and enlightenment programs.
“Exceptional revenue generation reached ₦3,991,988,348,853.32. Trade facilitation initiatives included the implementation of the Time Release Study (TRS), the Advance Ruling system, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program. Capacity building and technological advancements enhanced officers’ skills and automated processes. Infrastructure development upgraded customs infrastructure and strengthened operational capacity.
“Strengthened stakeholder engagement facilitated a more integrated approach to customs operations. National security and anti-smuggling efforts led to significant seizures of contraband goods, illegal arms, and narcotics.
He said the Nigerian Immigration Service e-Border Project implementation saw the deployment of e-Gates solutions for border governance.
“Enhanced border patrol and surveillance included the launch of 30 operational vehicles. Infrastructure development projects were completed, including the e-Border Data Centre. Automation of passport processing improved service delivery through full automation. Integration of solar power systems ensured uninterrupted operations. Technological upgrades facilitated seamless integration with border control systems. Public sensitization and enlightenment raised awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.
“Furthermore, the Command-and-Control Center for operations of API/PNR system was completed while E-gates for passenger clearance at 5 major international airports were deployed.
He said NEMA has stepped-up timely response in the coordination of intervention efforts in the forms of search and rescue in various disasters situations that include fire incidents in Lagos, Adamawa, Maiduguri, explosions in Ibadan and Kano, etc.
“The agency also conducted a detailed assessment of the disaster incidents in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and provided relief support to the affected persons.
“NEMA delivered 42,000 metric tonnes of food commodities nationwide and provided relief to communities affected by drone bombings in Kaduna State.
“The Federal Fire Service has made significant progress in procurement and distribution, human capacity development, and projects. The service has procured and distributed eight firefighting trucks and 15 Ford-built rapid intervention trucks to various commands across the country.
“Additionally, plans are underway for the construction of a corporate headquarters in Abuja, and the rehabilitation of existing buildings at the National Fire Academy. The service has also conducted various training programs for officers and men, resulting in the promotion of 1,680 personnel and the conversion/upgrading of four officers.
“The Federal Fire Service has also collaborated with various organizations, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Nigerian Defence Academy, and the United States of America, to enhance its capacity. The service has responded to 1,739 fires, saved 543 lives, and prevented an estimated property worth ₦2.058 trillion from damage between April 2023 and March 2024.
“The response time to emergencies has also improved from 25 minutes to 15 minutes. Furthermore, the service has conducted fire prevention and safety awareness campaigns, and provided security support during off-cycle elections in various states.
“The Federal Road Safety Corp achieved notable reductions in road traffic crashes (RTC). The addition of patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and motorbikes improved response capabilities. The construction of office complexes and the establishment of area and unit commands enhanced operational efficiency.
“Recruitment of 3,537 personnel and the introduction of new laws like the FRSC Training Institution Establishment Act, 2023, and the Speed Limiter Pre-Fixing Regulation 2024 improved road safety measures. Collaboration with the Dangote Group focused on improving road infrastructure and safety measures.
Mijinyawa said the security agencies will focus on Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms to preempt and counter security threats more effectively, In line with the whole-of-government approach, all agencies will strengthen mechanisms to ensure a people-oriented approach to securing our communities.
They will “also invest in advanced technologies and equipment to enhance the capabilities of our security forces and deepen partnerships with international allies to tackle regional and global security challenges and leverage best practices,” he added.
