EFCC OPENS NEW REGIONAL OFFICE IN ANAMBRA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commissioned a new zonal directorate in Awka, Anambra State, as part of efforts to expand its operations and strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes.

The opening ceremony on Friday was attended by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, among other dignitaries. Abbas represented President Bola Tinubu at the event.

Olukoyede said the new facility would serve both Anambra and Imo states, bringing the commission closer to businesses, government institutions and other economic activities in the region.

He said more than 60 per cent of the EFCC’s processes had been digitised as part of ongoing reforms. He added that the commission was also expanding its presence to improve prevention, investigation and prosecution of financial crimes.

The EFCC chairman said the commission had received tens of thousands of petitions in recent years and had secured thousands of convictions through its enforcement activities.

Abbas urged Anambra and Imo governments to protect the new facility and other critical infrastructure, while Soludo pledged the state government’s cooperation with the EFCC.

Uzodimma also expressed support for the commission’s expanded presence in the South-East and pledged Imo State’s cooperation in tackling financial crimes.