EFCC Launches Fraud Directorate to Combat Corruption in MDAs
By Public Eye News
September 11th 2024
Kano, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established a new directorate aimed at preventing corruption within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. The Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Directorate will closely monitor government operations, particularly in the award of constituency project contracts and procurement processes, which the EFCC believes are prime breeding grounds for corruption.Speaking at a consultative meeting organized by the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) in Kano, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede emphasized the importance of proactive measures to combat corruption. “Instead of waiting for crimes to happen and then reacting, we are taking a preventive approach,” he said.The directorate will investigate MDAs by monitoring their contract and procurement processes to ensure compliance with the law and prevent underhanded dealings. Olukoyede noted that these practices are responsible for over 90% of public corruption. “By sanitizing this system, we can improve project delivery and reduce corruption,” he added.The EFCC will not only identify fraud but also intervene early in the process. “From the day money is released, we monitor the process,” Olukoyede said. “If we detect fraud in the contract process, we alert the authorities to correct it and ensure transparency.”While acknowledging that this approach may not eradicate corruption entirely, Olukoyede emphasized that “by tightening the system, we can effectively tackle even the remaining corruption.”Stakeholders Call for ReformThe consultative meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges in constituency project implementation and promote accountability, gender equality, social inclusion, and active citizen participation. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, highlighted the frustration many Nigerians feel due to the disparity between the country’s abundant resources and the widespread poverty.“Despite Nigeria’s wealth, its citizens continue to suffer,” Zikirullahi said. “Trillions of Naira allocated for constituency projects have failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”He stressed the need for urgent reforms in the handling of constituency projects, including greater transparency, accountability, and community involvement. Professor Muhammad Sani Gumel, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Bayero University Kano, also emphasized the negative impact of corruption on constituency projects, leading to a shortfall in basic amenities and increased crime rates. Source: Stallion Times News
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