EFCC Boss Advocates Regional Cooperation To Combat Terrorism Funding

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized the importance of collaboration among West African anti-corruption institutions in the fight against terrorism financing and other cross-border crimes. This charge was given during the inaugural Leadership Conference of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, held in Abuja. According to Olukoyede, the ever-evolving nature of corruption, with criminal networks now operating across borders, necessitates effective cooperation among anti-corruption bodies in the region. He noted that the founders of NACIWA recognized that corruption knows no borders and that no single country can tackle the problem alone. The vision of NACIWA is to create a regional platform that strengthens cooperation, reinforces capacity and independence, and promotes strategic reflection among national anti-corruption institutions. Olukoyede disclosed that the conference was held at the ECOWAS headquarters to underscore the central role of the fight against corruption in the integration and development of the subregion. He stated that the corruption environment has changed significantly, with illicit financial flows moving across multiple jurisdictions in seconds. The EFCC chairman commended NACIWA for establishing a protocol that enables the exchange of information and cross-border investigation. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone also stressed the need for coordination in the fight against corruption, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and best practices among West African countries. He noted that such conferences provide a platform for learning and sharing, allowing countries to benefit from each other's expertise and improve their fight against corruption.