EFCC, Customs Deepen Fight Against Financial Crimes in Southwest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have vowed to strengthen their collaboration in the fight against money laundering, smuggling, and other economic crimes in the Southwest.

The commitment followed a familiarization visit by the newly appointed Customs Area Controller for Oyo and Osun, Comptroller G.I. Aliyu, to the Acting Director of the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Office, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE) I Hauwa Garba Ringim.

Speaking during the visit, Aliyu said the NCS, as a key revenue-generating agency, shares the EFCC’s vision in combating economic infractions that threaten national development. He stressed that both agencies’ mandates intersect in areas such as intercepting contraband, curbing illicit financial flows, and enforcing fiscal policies. “Continued intelligence sharing and mutual support are indispensable,” he added.

Aliyu further pledged that under his leadership, the Command would deepen inter-agency cooperation with the EFCC and other security and law enforcement agencies. “Through collaboration, capacity building, and transparent communication, we can curb economic sabotage and improve national revenue,” he said. He also commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede for the commission’s achievements in asset recovery, enforcement, prevention, and public sensitization on corruption and financial crimes, noting that these efforts align with the NCS’s drive for integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

In her response, ACE Ringim described the visit as a significant step toward achieving the mandates of both agencies. She assured the Customs Controller of the EFCC’s commitment to strategic partnerships, joint task forces, and actionable intelligence sharing, emphasizing that such collaboration would foster a safer financial environment and strengthen the national economy.