The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Rivers Marine Command, Port Harcourt, Bashir Mohammed Lawal, has extended commendations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its proactive measures in combating economic and financial crimes.
Lawal further emphasised the necessity for enhanced collaboration between the two agencies, particularly in information and intelligence sharing.
Lawal conveyed his appreciation during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC on Monday, February 12, 2024. As the newly appointed Comptroller of Immigration for Rivers Marine Command, Lawal expressed his eagerness to foster a robust relationship and synergy with the EFCC to strengthen the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
“I am grateful for the warm reception extended to me. My visit follows my recent assumption of office as the Comptroller of Immigration for Rivers Marine Command in Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I seek closer collaboration and synergy with your Commission,” stated Lawal.
In response, the Commander of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC, Assistant Commander ACE 1 Ahmed Ghali, expressed appreciation for the visit, highlighting the longstanding positive relationship between the EFCC and the NIS. Ghali reiterated the importance of collaboration between sister agencies, emphasising its significance in fulfilling their respective mandates.
“We are pleased to welcome you today. Collaboration among sister agencies is vital. It is one of our core values, and we take it seriously because, without synergy and collaboration, we cannot effectively discharge our duties,” Ghali affirmed.
Ghali acknowledged the NIS’s valuable contribution to combating money laundering at various border points and airports across the country. He underscored the potential for even greater cooperation between the two agencies to address shared challenges effectively.
Similarly, Victor Ibim Bennibo, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch, visited the Port Harcourt Zonal Command office to advocate for closer ties and collaboration between the association and the EFCC. Bennibo stressed the NBA’s role as a relevant stakeholder in the administration of the criminal justice system and sought to strengthen communication and cooperation with the EFCC.
“We appreciate the warm reception. Collaboration is crucial for effective criminal justice administration. We are all stakeholders in this system, and it is essential to work together towards mutual understanding and cooperation,” Bennibo affirmed, underlining the need for improved communication channels between the NBA and the EFCC.
In response, Ghali expressed gratitude for the NBA’s visit and reiterated the importance of collaboration. He urged the association to refrain from referring non-financial criminal matters to the EFCC, as the commission’s mandate specifically focuses on economic and financial crimes.
“We thank you for this visit. Collaboration is essential. While we appreciate working with members of your association, it’s crucial to understand our mandate. We handle matters related to economic and financial crimes,” Ghali clarified, emphasising the need for alignment with the commission’s core objectives.
The interactions between the NIS, NBA, and the EFCC underscore the significance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing complex challenges such as corruption and financial crimes. By fostering closer ties and enhancing cooperation, these institutions can leverage their respective strengths to promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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