U.S. Official Applauds EFCC’s Anti-Corruption Crusade as 'Impressive and Far-Reaching

By Achimi muktar

The United States has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its determined efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.

Candace Spradley, Director of Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, expressed admiration for the EFCC’s work during a courtesy visit to the Commission's corporate headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. Leading a delegation of officials from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Spradley highlighted the EFCC’s global reputation for excellence in tackling graft.

"Outstanding and Far-Reaching Work"

“I should just start by saying congratulations to you for the impressive work that the organization has done under your tenure and certainly the name that it has made for the government of Nigeria in Washington,” Spradley said.

She added, “Earlier on in my career with the Department of State, I learned about the EFCC and all of the very impressive work that you all have been doing to advance anti-corruption and financial crime efforts. It is an outstanding and impressive work that has a very far reach.”

Global Synergy Against Financial Crimes

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the need for international collaboration in combating the global dimensions of financial crimes. “It has become very imperative for the international community to come together and form synergy to fight these crimes. So, it is important for us to work together,” he stated.

Olukoyede also referenced a recent international bust involving nearly 200 foreigners operating in Nigeria. “These crimes we are fighting have international dimensions. Investigations have revealed that some of these individuals were dislodged from parts of South Asia and are now seeking a safe haven in Africa, from where they target victims worldwide. Nigeria is not going to create that environment for them to thrive. We will deploy intelligence-driven operations to get them out of our system,” he declared.

A Unified Front Against Corruption

The meeting underscores the importance of global partnerships in addressing corruption, cybercrime, and financial fraud. The EFCC’s proactive stance and its growing international collaboration signal a unified approach to combating transnational crimes.

The EFCC’s efforts, bolstered by such endorsements, not only enhance Nigeria’s global standing but also reaffirm the nation’s commitment to rooting out corruption.