U.S. Ambassador outlines four key priorities in meeting with EFCC
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., has identified four key areas of focus in the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During a meeting with EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja, Mills highlighted counter-corruption, financial terrorism, counter-terrorism, and money laundering as priorities for the U.S. government. He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the EFCC to tackle financial crimes.
“The U.S. government strongly supported the creation of the EFCC, and our partnership remains robust,” Mills stated. “We are eager to enhance collaboration through intelligence sharing, technical assistance, and joint efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes.”
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, in a statement, said the U.S. delegation pledged increased support, particularly in intelligence-sharing and capacity-building.
Olukoyede, in response, emphasized the EFCC’s broad mandate, which includes preventing, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes while also recovering illicit assets.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. in fighting corruption and called for enhanced cooperation in technology, intelligence gathering, and human capital development.
“We need more support in intelligence-driven operations, and we hope the U.S. will expedite responses to our requests,” Olukoyede said.
He also revealed the establishment of a Visa Application and Immigration Fraud Section within the EFCC to combat visa racketeering and immigration fraud.
