The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Service (DSS), have reiterated their commitment to strengthen the existing collaboration between them to ensure the success of the fight against corruption.
This was the main thrust of the discussion between the Director of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Harry Erin, and the Kwara State Director of the DSS, Michael Oganwu when the latter visited the EFCC office in Ilorin on a familiarization visit.
The DSS boss stated that the familiarization visit aimed at sustaining the existing relationship between EFCC and DSS in the state.
“I’m here to familiarise myself with you in a bid towards building on the existing cordial relationship with your agency. The DSS and EFCC have a record of good working relationship, which I hope should be sustained,” he said.
He further stressed the need for the two agencies to foster stronger synergy because no organization globally will fight crime, especially money laundering and terrorism financing alone.
Responding, Erin chronicled the history of collaboration between the EFCC and the DSS, adding that inter-agency collaboration was key for any agency of government to succeed in its mandate.
He thanked the DSS for its support to the Commission especially in intelligence and tracking of criminals involved in money laundering and terrorism financing.
In a related development, the Zonal Director called for more diligence and professionalism among the real estate developers in the country, especially in the area of “Know Your Customers” (KYC), so as not to run afoul of the law.
He gave the admonition while playing host to the executives of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Kwara State chapter, led by its Chairman, Chief Kamaldeen Abioye, who came on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Office, Ilorin.
According to him, “the Commission is not out to cripple anybody’s business, but to give support to genuine or legitimate businesses through the enforcement of laws with a view to bolster the economy.”
Erin also called for compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2022 (as amended), which among other things required them not to transact in cash that is above N5million for individuals and N10million for corporate organizations without going through a financial institution.
“You must also ensure that you register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML). The registration is free and it is online,” he added.
The Zonal Director used the occasion to sensitize the visitors on the need to have an accurate database of their customers’ information to save them from any criminal liability.
He said record keeping of both the electronic and hard copies of the transactions of their customers is very important to the developers.
Earlier, the REDAN Chairman stated that the visit was to seek collaboration with the Commission.
He commended the EFCC for its giant strides and pleaded with it to assist the association in fighting land grabbers whose activities were hampering their businesses.
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