Olukoyede: We’re Working Round the Clock to Recover, Plough Back Stolen Funds into Nigerian Economy

AFRICA

The Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has said the anti-graft agency is working round the clock to recover stolen funds invested in assets across the globe by Nigerians, and plough it back into the nation’s economy for national development.

Olukoyede gave the promise on Wednesday when the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her team paid a courtesy visit on him at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday

The EFCC boss while responding to remarks from Dabiri-Erewa expressed his appreciation for NiDCOM’s efforts, noted with concern the challenges faced by some Nigerians abroad, particularly the stigma attached to holders of Nigerian passport, saying  NiDCOM work is gradually changing the narrative.

Olukoyede disclosed that a lot of stashed and stolen funds from Nigeria were invested in assets across the world,  adding that the Commission is working round the clock to recover such funds and plough it back into the nation’s economy for national development.

The EFCC boss assured the Commission of his readiness to continue to partner with it in its activities and programmes geared towards revamping the bad image some bad citizens have created about Nigeria.

 He stressed on the shared mandate of both Commissions aimed at encouraging  Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, to be exemplary ambassadors of their country.

He noted that: “The path to greatness is filled with hard work and dedication.”

Earlier, the EFCC boss has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its pivotal role in resolving numerous fraud cases involving Nigerians abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that the mere mention of the EFCC’s name has been effective in deterring fraudulent activities, thereby safeguarding the image of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

She had discussions with the EFCC boss focusing on critical issues affecting Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly concerning remittances and the overall image of the nation’s abroad.

During the visit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to EFCC and its management for their swift and effective resolution of cases referred by NiDCOM.

She listed some of the challenges faced by NiDCOM, highlighting the pressing issue of office accommodation, and requested EFCC’s assistance in addressing the matter.

The NiDCOM Chairman also outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the Commission, including the National Diaspora Policy, Diaspora Data Mapping, the Diaspora Lecture Series, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Medical Missions by Diasporans, Returnees Intervention Programs, and the Badagry Door of Return among others.

These initiatives, she emphasized, are crucial in strengthening the ties between Nigeria and its Diaspora community.

Michael Olugbode

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