Abbas, Soludo, Uzodimma, others attend opening of EFCC regional office in Anambra

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opened a regional office in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Friday. Dignitaries attending the event included Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State; Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State; and Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC. President Bola Tinubu represented by Abbas, who made the opening address.

Olukoyede highlighted the digitization of EFCC processes, with more than 60% of activities currently digitalized. He emphasized the strategic importance of the facility, stating it would significantly expand the commission's operational footprint and strengthen its capacity to deliver accountability oversight in Anambra and Imo states.

Olukoyede noted that the establishment of the zonal office represented an expansion of access to justice, operational capacity, and collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigerian public in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

The commission received 49,615 petitions between October 2023 and July 2024, leading to the investigation of 39,632 cases. In the same period, EFCC filed 14,436 cases in court and secured 10,872 convictions. Olukoyede underscored the commission's commitment to protecting legitimate economic activities, including businesses, investments, and employment generation, from fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering.

Governors Soludo and Uzodimma welcomed the EFCC's presence in Anambra and Imo states, pledging cooperation in the fight against financial crimes. They emphasized the importance of a robust anti-graft agency in fostering economic development and ensuring societal progress.