The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has pledged to support the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (JG-PCACC) in training and capacity building to enhance its effectiveness in tackling corruption at the state level.
Olukoyede made the commitment in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the JG-PCACC, led by its Chairman, Barrister Salisu Abdu. He commended the establishment of the state’s anti-graft agency, stating that its presence would help ease the EFCC’s workload at the federal level.
“The more agencies we have tackling corruption, the less challenging the problem becomes. If, at the state level, you are able to monitor government spending and oversee MDAs, it will significantly reduce our burden at the federal level. I welcome this initiative and the establishment of your agency,” Olukoyede stated.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, assuring the JG-PCACC of continuous support.
“We are always willing to collaborate because we share a common mandate. We will provide the necessary assistance and synergy to ensure the success of your commission,” he added.
While encouraging Barrister Abdu to remain steadfast in his duties despite potential resistance, Olukoyede warned against ethical compromises that could undermine the agency’s credibility.
“You may be the most criticized person in your state for taking on this responsibility, but stay focused. Keep your conscience clear before God and man, and remain committed to your mandate,” he advised.
Speaking earlier, Barrister Abdu outlined the purpose of the visit, stating that the JG-PCACC sought collaboration with the EFCC to strengthen its investigative and prosecutorial capacity.
“Our commission has a dual mandate: to receive public complaints and to investigate and resolve issues affecting the public, including corruption. However, as a new agency, we lack the expertise to conduct thorough anti-corruption investigations. We need support to strengthen our capacity in this area,” he explained.
Abdu noted that JG-PCACC might eventually handle corruption-related prosecutions, which often intersect with economic crimes. He requested training opportunities for the commission’s lawyers and prosecutors through the EFCC Academy or its investigation department.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for information sharing between both agencies, clarifying that the JG-PCACC’s establishment does not override the EFCC’s mandate in Jigawa State.
“We can assist by providing crucial information that may aid EFCC investigations into economic crimes within the state,” he stated.
Abdu also sought the EFCC’s support in administrative development and institutional structuring to help the newly established commission build a strong foundation.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of state-level anti-corruption efforts in complementing the EFCC’s national mandate, reinforcing the need for inter-agency collaboration in the fight against corruption.
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