Financial Crimes Commission Research Articles

Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector: Causes, Consequences and Sustainable Solutions

Corruption in Nigeria's public sector has long hindered the nation's development, stability, and prosperity. It permeates various facets of governance and society, leading to detrimental consequences, including economic stagnation, social injustice, and the erosion of public trust. Historical factors, such as the legacy of colonial exploitation and successive post-independence governments' mismanagement, have entrenched a culture of corruption. Despite efforts to combat it, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), corruption remains pervasive. This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the complex dynamics of corruption in Nigeria's public sector. Using Albert Bandura's social learning theory as the theoretical framework, and it explores how corrupt behaviors are observed, imitated, and reinforced within the public administration. The research identifies multiple causes of corruption, including institutional weaknesses, economic pressures, and cultural norms, which create an environment conducive to corrupt practices. The consequences of corruption are enormous: It undermines economic growth and development, deters foreign direct investment, exacerbates poverty and inequality, erodes public trust in government, and fuels political unrest and instability. Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach involving the strengthening of institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability, improving public sector management, and fostering a culture of ethical leadership. Sustainable solutions to combat corruption include; enhancing the capacities of anti-corruption agencies, to be independent of the executive body, implementing public procurement reforms, ensuring budget transparency, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption measures.

An assessment of convicted cryptocurrency fraudsters

ABSTRACT We examine cryptocurrency fraud cases prosecuted by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We considered the lens of the Space Transition Theory (STT) in exploring the dynamics of these digital crimes. Our data analysis reveals common types of fraud, including cryptocurrency investment schemes. The results show an exclusive male demographic (100%), with the majority under 30 years old and only a quarter possessing a degree, providing insights into the socio-demographic characteristics of cryptocurrency fraudsters. Additionally, while most fraudsters (55%) targeted victims in the United States, Bitcoin, leveraging blockchain technology, was the most commonly used method (46%) for cryptocurrency fraud. Our examination of the methods and mediums used for cryptocurrency fraud supports some aspects of STT, while others do not. We advocate for a multifaceted strategy that prioritises stringent regulation, implementation, and heightened scrutiny of digital currency ecosystems in Nigeria and beyond. This study contributes to the broader discourse on cybercrime prevention and enforcement by emphasising the novel methodological approach utilised.

COVID-19, Cybercrime Proliferation, and National Security in Nigeria: Evidence from Lagos State Youths

That security is a public good is an apophthegm. Insecurity in Nigeria has been exacerbated since the COVD-19 pandemic. This is connected to the proliferation of cybercrime among youths which increased exponentially during the pandemic. This study addresses a lacuna in previous studies by investigating COVID-19 and cybercrime proliferation, cybercrime occasioned by COVID-19, and national security in Nigeria within the frameworks of the human security and routine activity theories. This study adopts a quantitative approach that uses structured questionnaires and interviews. Purposive multistage sampling was used to select 200 youth from 10 wards in Ikeja and Badagry local government areas and data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings showed that COVID-19 had a significant relationship with cybercrime proliferation and cybercrime occasioned by COVID-19 significantly affected national security in Nigeria. The increased number of computer users during the pandemic enabled some users to exploit others amid poor cybersecurity to commit cybercrime. The article recommends a reorientation of youth to reduce their susceptibility to crime, the development of cybersecurity policies to reduce the availability of suitable targets, and the empowerment of capable guardians such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Moderating Influence of Corruption on the Relationship between Aggregate Tax Revenue and Economic Development in Nigeria and Ghana

The study examines the moderating influence of corruption on the relationship between aggregate tax revenue and economic development in Nigeria and Ghana. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study where country specific data extracted from the annual publications of OECD database on tax revenue in Africa, Central Bank of Nigeria and Transparency International (TI) for the periods 1981 to 2022 were used. The dependent variable was economic development measured with Gross Domestic Product at 2015 Constant price while the independent variable was Aggregate tax revenue. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was moderated by the presence of corruption measured by Corruption perception index for Nigeria and Ghana. Different econometric techniques were applied in the study while the data was analyzed by means of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model using E views Version 10. The findings showed that in Nigeria and Ghana, aggregate tax revenue had a positive and significant influence on economic development both short and long run whereas corruption had a negative but significant influence on the relationship between tax revenue and gross domestic product of Nigeria and Ghana. The study therefore recommends among others that the respective governments of Nigeria and Ghana should put in place adequate fiscal measures to ensure that revenue generated from taxes are effectively utilized to develop their economies. They should also see the need to tackle corruption in the process of executing projects by ensuring that activities of bad and corrupt leaders are closely monitored through further strengthening the hands of the anti Graft Agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC to have the political will to persecute corrupt leaders and managers of public funds.

Macroeconomic Policy, Institutional Quality and Inclusive growth in Nigeria

The inability of macroeconomic policy in influencing macroeconomic indicators in Nigeria has been attributed to weak institutional quality which has consequences for the achievement of inclusive growth. Thus, this study investigates the link between macroeconomic policy, inclusive growth, and institutional quality in Nigeria. The period of this study spanned 1996 to 2021. The study utilised fully modified ordinary least square and the results showed that macroeconomic policy variables and institutional quality contributed significantly in enhancing inclusive growth in Nigeria. More so, it was observed that the interactive terms between macroeconomic policy variables and institutional quality enhanced inclusive growth Therefore, the study concludes that macroeconomic policy and institutional quality are important drivers of inclusive growth in Nigeria. This study recommends that institutional quality should be improved using appropriate anti-corruption policies through institutions like the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Impact of the Fight Against Corruption on Nigeria's Economy: A Case Study of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission

Corruption in Nigeria has long hindered economic development and raised concerns about resource misallocation, reduced foreign direct investment, and eroded public confidence in institutions. Established in 2003, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was tasked with combating economic and financial offenses, including corruption. This study aimed to assess the impact of anti-corruption efforts, particularly the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Nigeria's economy. A survey research design was employed, with data collected through 109 structured questionnaires administered to personnel from various units of the EFCC at the Enugu state branch. Out of the questionnaires distributed, 100 were properly filled out and returned for analysis. Respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0. Descriptive statistical tools, such as simple percentages presented in tables and charts, were used to analyze and interpret the questionnaire data. The study revealed several key findings. Firstly, it emphasized the importance of the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Secondly, it highlighted the positive impact of anti-corruption efforts on the country's economy. Thirdly, it found that the EFCC has been making progress in combating corruption. Lastly, it confirmed that corruption hinders Nigeria's economic development. In conclusion, this study casts a glaring spotlight on the corrosive impact of corruption on Nigeria's economy, translating to staggering losses exceeding $100 billion in GDP. Consequently, the research emphasized the necessity of intensifying anti-corruption efforts. It proposed recommendations to address this issue, including the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies, the improvement of legal frameworks, and the promotion of economic growth as crucial steps towards achieving sustainable

Transparency and Accountability Concerns in the Nigerian Public Sector

For many years, accountability and transparency have been of significant concern due to financial statement misstatements, fraud, and corruption in the public sector. Despite government policies and legislative acts aimed at addressing these issues, according to (Ezeajughu, 2021) such as the establishment of the Nigerian Constitution in 1999 and subsequent amendments, including the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (BMPIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act 2002, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) Act (2000), the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act (1995), and the Financial Malpractices in Banks Act (1994), headlines still highlight ongoing corruption in the public service, thereby raising concerns on the twin issues of accountability and transparency in the Nigerian public service. It is in this regard that this paper examined the concerns of the Nigerian public regarding accountability and transparency. Using secondary data from Transparency International (TI), this paper argued that the level of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian public sector continues to wane, accentuating the rising level of corruption and corruptive tendencies in the Nigerian public sector. To reverse this trend, it is recommended, amongst other things, that the judicial system, framework, and architecture be rejigged and radially reformed through the creation of specialized courts that will speedily dispense justice.

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITIES OF TAX PRACTITIONERS, FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS AND ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION AT CURBING CORRUPTION IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study sought to assess the activities of Tax Practitioners, Forensic Accountants and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at curbing corruption in Osun State Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. The population of this study consists of two hundred (200) members of staff (management, senior and junior) of the Office of the Accountant General, Osun State Ministry of Finance, Osun State Internal Revenue Service and other relevant Agencies in Osun State. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were adopted while Taro Yamane was used to determine the sample size of 133 and out this, one hundred and twenty-five (125) respondents filled and returned the questionnaire. Primary data were gathered via administration of questionnaire to respondents. Both descriptive and Correlation analysis were presented in the study. The findings revealed that there is a positive relationship between the activities of Forensic Accountants and activities of Tax Practitioners at curbing corruption in Osun State. It was also found out that proper financial management will help to reduce financial crime rate in Osun State, Nigeria. The study came to the conclusion that the abilities of accountants and the work of tax practitioners significantly contribute to identifying and minimizing fraud in Osun State, Nigeria. Finally, the study made the suggestion that forensic accounting courses be offered in Nigerian universities in order to improve the caliber of accounting graduates from these institutions, among other things.

Elite Capture Syndrome and Anti-Corruption Control in Nigeria: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission in Perspective

Like many African states, Nigeria has hitherto been caught in the web of pervasive acts of grand and petty corruption. The pervasive nature of political and bureaucratic corruption in Nigeria has undeniably impoverished her economy and, as such, warranted the establishment of the EFCC and ICPC. However, anti-corruption agencies have not been able to control corruption to a minimum, as Nigeria remains poorly ranked in the global corruption index. This research takes on a critical and comparative lens to understand the nature of class politics in the fight against corruption, to examine the level of high-profile prosecutions, to identify irregularities in the institutions of law enforcement, and to consider the level of transparency and accountability for recovered loot and confiscated properties. The study finds, among other things, that powerful elites have high-jacked anti-corruption fights of the EFCC and ICPC, with low-profile convictions in Nigeria, and public accountability and transparency regarding recovered loot is almost nonexistent. The Elite Capture paradigm is employed as a theoretical guide in its narrative.

Reconceptualising Plea Bargain As A Prosecutory Tool In Nigeria

Plea bargaining is relatively a new concept in Nigeria's criminal justice system. This legal strategy is designed for use by prosecutors to negotiate deals with defendants, where the defendant or accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or one among multiple charges in return for substantial concessions from the prosecution—usually a lighter sentence or even a case dismissal. However, the trend has since changed and its been put to much more pervasive use. The present use, notwithstanding, one may argue that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other Nigerian law enforcement agencies tend to be overzealous in their conduct of plea bargains concerning suspects arrested and items seized, recovered or placed under custody. The doctrinal research method is adopted analysing the pertinent laws. The paper posits that there are some disadvantages that can be deduced from the practice of plea bargain in Nigeria. The paper further lends a voice for the establishment of guidelines and procedures detailed steps, proper procedures or legal framework should be created to guide the sale of properties recovered or seized during plea bargain. This paper advocates for the extension of plea bargaining to all types of criminal charges to enhance the efficiency and fairness of Nigeria's criminal justice system.

Why Corruption in Nigeria? Experts’ Accounts on the Occurrences and Persistence

Corruption is increasingly becoming commonplace in Nigeria. Recent discoveries of hidden corrupt funds in Nigeria by anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria, give insight into how severe the menace has become. The amount recovered during the early part of 2017 is shocking, despite the renewed effort to fight corruption by the present administration in Nigeria and, by extension, past governments. This has prompted the question of why corruption occurs and persists in Nigeria. To satisfy this urge, we believe that getting those involved in corruption will be of great significance in unraveling the reality of the issue. However, thoughtfully considering the situation in Nigeria, where, in most instances, even those caught in corrupt acts with overwhelming evidence often deny being corrupt and are ever ready to go to any length in proving their innocence, we oblige for a workable alternative, which is to meet experts from the anti-corruption agencies and get their perspectives on this. We believe that through these experts who have been interacting with corrupt officers as investigators and prosecutors, the reality of the matter will be revealed. Their experiences and understanding in the anti-corruption efforts can lead us to uncover why the occurrences and persistence of corruption in Nigeria. In achieving this goal, we conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with the two anti-corruption bodies. Using thematic analysis, we find that six reasons explain why corruption occurs and then persists in Nigeria.

An Assessment of the Impact of EFCC in Curbing Vote Buying in Nigeria

This paper is an assessment of the performance of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on the fight against vote buying in the Nigerian elections. Vote buying is a major problem in the Nigerian electoral system. The phenomenon reached an epidemic level in 2019 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced a level of digitalization of the electoral process through the use of permanent voters' card and card reader machines in the Nigerian electoral system. The introduction of card reader machines and permanent voters’ cards reduced the incidences of electoral infractions like 'results writing' and 'impersonation' because the voters are expected to confirm their identities at the polling booths through the authentication of card reader machines. This technological innovation by INEC made the political class to concentrate more on vote buying. The paper shows that EFCC has not been effective in carrying out its duty as the government agency that has the legal responsibility of curbing vote buying in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Model: Time for a Review

Corruption and its challenges to the society is not a new phenomenon but designing effective methods to combat it has proven to be challenging for a few reasons. They include the fact that the phenomenon is ever evolving, and the perpetrators are usually ahead of the law. Another reason is that the absence of commitment on the government has prevented sincere assessment of measures introduced to combat corruption. This paper assesses Nigeria’s Anti-corruption model of criminalisation of corruption related offences. Effective criminalisation of corruption related offences requires a workable legal framework and effective institutions. The absence of either or both means that combating corruption would not be effective. This paper discusses Nigeria’s legal framework for combating corruption. Using qualitative method, this paper finds that the legal and institutional frameworks need to be strengthened. One area of strengthening is that the anti-corruption model of multi-agencies with the two foremost Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACA), the Independent and Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) be reviewed. Instead, Nigeria should consider merging these two foremost institutions. The political will of the government is however sine qua non if this is to be achieved.

Factors Associated with Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Nurses Working in COVID-19 Isolation Centres, Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Nurses are at increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to response of the body and mind to a threatening working environment as they care for COVID-19 patients in isolation centres. This study determined the prevalence of PTSD and examined the associated factors among nurses working in COVID-19 isolation centres.Subjects dan Method: The study was a cross-sectional design. Purposive method was used to select two isolation centres, while 75 nurses who participated in the study were selected using total enumeration sampling technique. A structured questionnaire with validity and reliability established was used to collect data which were screened, collated and analyzed with SPSS 27. The Fisher’s Exact Test and Multivariate logistic regressions were the inferential statistics used to test the level of significant at p<0.050 and 95% confidence interval. The dependent variable of this study is posttraumatic stress disorder while the independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, psychological and working conditions factors.Results: The mean age of the participants was (Mean=37.60; SD=10.20). Percentage of nurses having mild to severe PTSD was 27.8%. Duration stayed in COVID-19 isolation centres by nurses was significantly associated with the PTSD (p=0.003). The age, gender, marital status, and education level of the nurses were not statistically significant associated with the PTSD (p>0.05). Nurses who felt their life was under threat by working in COVID-19 isolation centres were 4.2 times more likely to develop PTSD compared to nurses who did not (OR=4.22, 95% CI=3.57 to 12.60, p=0.001).Conclusion: Nurses suffered PTSD due to psychological and physical exhaustion during the care of COVID-19 patients in isolation centres. Support program is recommended for the affected nurses to improve their quality of life. Keywords: COVID-19 isolation centres, nurses, PTSD, prevalence Correspondence: Tajudeen Olusegun Rasheed. Department of Health, Safety and Environment Studies, Training and Research Institute, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Academy, Karu, Abuja, Nigeria. Email: tajrash2005@gmail.com. Mobile: +2348038007373.

Anti-Corruption in Nigeria: Towards a Critical Discourse Analysis

This paper makes a case for discursive analysis of anticorruption in Nigeria. It argues for an alternative understanding of anti/corruption discourse by examining anticorruption as a discourse shrouded in a complex inter-related process shaped by socio-historical continuities, meaning-making, interests, perceptions and interpretations that (inter)act to impel, and sometimes propel, anticorruption to produce contradictory outcomes. Without impugning on the strides of government, through the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the fight against corruption, this piece interrogates why anticorruption campaign appears to have little or no impact in its fight against corruption in Nigeria and argues it is not unconnected with emphasis on institutions as against interests and meaning-making processes that goes into the making of ‘institutions’. It contends that emphasis on institutions in the campaign against corruption loses sight of and does not take into account what corruption is, what it portends, and whether its re/presentation captures or reflects the needs, views and experience of the society. Grounded in postcolonialism and relying on extant literature on (anti)corruption in Nigeria, this study deploys critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine how the discourse of (anti)corruption in Nigeria is generating a social process of anticorruption with (un)intended consequences. Keywords: Corruption, Anticorruption, Critical Discourse Analysis, Postcolonialism, Institutionalism DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-8-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2023

Forensic Accounting and Financial Crimes: An Empirical Evidence from Operatives and Trainers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Academy, Nigeria

Financial crimes in the public sector continue to be on the increase despite the effort of the Nigerian government in preventing the incidence of fraud and corruption through measures, such as establishing and strengthening organs of accountability and promoting the global best corporate practices. In view of this challenges, it become necessary to examines the effect of attributes of forensic accountants– Investigation of financial Crime and Corruption Skill (ICC), Knowledge and Expertise (KE), Litigation Support Services (LSS) on the financial crime (FC) in Nigerian public sector. The study employed cross-sectional design and a survey method. of the 110 questionnaires distributed, 53 questionnaires were returned valid and analysed. The study used PLS-SEM (SmartPLS 3.0) and IBM SPSS ver. 20.0 as the primary statistical analysis tools. The results of the study confirm that Knowledge and Expertise and Support Services of a forensic accountant has a significant positive effect on Financial Crime and it shows that investigation of crime and corruption has an insignificant negative effect on financial crime. Thus, the findings revealed that the forensic accountant attributes have significantly higher levels of KE, LSS on FC concerning fraud prevention, detection, management and response. Also, investigation of corruption discourages financial crime though not on high. The implication of this study might result in the overall reduction of fraud and fraudulent acts, promote institutional, regulatory and legal framework, and create awareness amongst the accounting and auditing institutions in the Nigerian public sector.

Impacts of the Fight against Corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Promoting Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of the fight against corruption by the EFCC in promoting good governance and accountability in the current administration of president Muhammadu Buhari. Specifically the paper sought to examine the extent to which the fight against corruption by the EFCC have promoted good governance and accountability in Nigeria today.
 Methodology: The methodology adopted is qualitative method of data collection and analysis where some informants with an experience and classified information on the subject matter were consulted for interview. The paper adopted Richard A Joseph (1996) Prebendalism theory on corruption. The data obtained was interpreted for analysis and findings.
 Findings: The paper discovered that as laudable as the intentions and effort of the government to curb corruption through the EFCC and laws, they have left much to be desired. Infact the fight against corruption by the EFCC are of limited value because they fail to take into account much of the dymanics that support corruption making people now regard the EFCC as a tool to fight political enemies of the current administration.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper therefore recommends among others the need for greater transparency by the EFCC in combating corruption if its effort must promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria

IMPACT OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND CORRUPTION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

This study investigates the effect of human capital development and corruption on economic growth in Nigeria. The study employed Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillip Peron (PP) tests, Johansen Cointegration test and Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) to analyse the data spanning from 1996 – 2020 sourced from World Development Indicators (WDI) and Transparency International. The empirical results show that human capital development has a significant negative effect on economic growth while corruption has a significant positive effect on GDP per capita. The results further reveals that the interaction variable has a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria. Therefore, the study conclude that human capital development and corruption have significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommends among others that government should strengthening institutions of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Court of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Nigeria. KEYWORD: ADF, ECM, TROP, Economic growth.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria, (2015-2020)

Corruption has proven to be intractable in Nigeria, with resultant consequences on the political, economic and socio-cultural development of the nation. Though past military regimes, before the return to democratic government in 1999, initiated series of anti-corruption crusades at various times, corruption in high and low places continued to be on an alarming increase. With the return to democratic governance, President Olusegun Obasanjo saw to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2002, which amongst others is vested with the responsibilities of prevention, investigation and prosecution of individuals, groups and institutions found culpable or corrupt, and unearth frauds and recover public loots in the country. After over a decade of the commission’s existence in the country, corruption remain a pandemic, which informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s second major promise during his campaign in 2015, to fight and completely eradicate corruption. Between 2015 and 2020, a lot a successes and failures have punctuated the activities of the commission and this is the thrust of this study. The Institutional Approach was used as the theoretical framework for the study and we relied on materials collected from secondary sources. Among other recommendations of the study, the Federal Government of Nigeria should speedily take steps to establish special courts to deal specifically with corruption cases while the Judicial Service Commission and the Nigeria Bar Association should be strengthened to deal firmly with alleged cases of corruption or misconduct involving Judges and lawyers respectively.

Money laundering conviction rate and capital formation in Nigeria

Drawing from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF, G7) recommendations and the Nigeria Anti-Money Laundering Act that provides the penance and dissuasion for crimes in Nigeria, this study sought to interrogate the efficacy of money laundering conviction rate as an instrument of anti-money laundering policy on capital formation in Nigeria. The study is hinged on contemporary deterrence theory. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and used quarterly data from 1Q 2010 to 4Q 2019, which was sourced from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and CBN statistical reports. Hence, Error Correction Model (ECM) was utilized to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the current money laundering conviction rate (MLCR) has a negative and non-significant effect on capital formation in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concludes that the current conviction rate is too weak to deter the act. Hence, it is recommended that the judicial system be rejigged with enabling legislation and autonomy to strengthen it to hasten the trial of such cases and ease conviction of culpable individuals, without necessarily putting innocent victims at jeopardy. Such autonomy should also be granted to the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU etc. and inter-agency synergy should be encouraged.