Nigeria’s anti-graft, counter-terrorism campaigns our priority— US Ambassador

The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against economic and financial crimes, corruption, and terrorism financing.

Speaking during a familiarisation visit to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., noted that the US government sees anti-corruption and counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria as high priorities.

According to a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the ambassador assured EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede of his government’s continued support in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and other areas of cooperation.

“I’m very grateful for the relationship we have, both through our legal attaché and with these other offices here.

“The U.S. government was strongly supportive of the creation of the EFCC when it was established, and our relationship has continued since then. I’m here today to learn about the Chairman’s priorities for the EFCC moving forward, what you see as the key trends in financial crimes, and how the U.S. government and U.S. Mission can assist you—either with information sharing, expertise, or closer cooperation in specific cases,” the statement reads.

Highlighting the impact of corruption and financial crimes on both nations, Mills stressed that combating these challenges is crucial to fostering security and economic growth.

“Part of the reason we’re so interested in these issues is because they affect both our countries and they affect what we’re both trying to do, which is to create a secure, prosperous Nigeria and build our economies, both the US and the Nigerians,” Mills said.

He stated strongly that the work of the EFCC in the areas of anti-corruption, counter-terrorism and money laundering were of priority to the US government and the US Mission in Nigeria.

Mills said, “This office is at the epicentre of the work being done to counter corruption, financial terrorism, counter-terrorism, money laundering. That is a high priority for the US Government and this mission. And as you can see, it involves several offices at the US Mission. Our economic team follows these issues closely, especially anti-money laundering, counterterrorism, and financing and has engaged with members of your staff on that issue.”

Olukoyede welcomed the ambassador’s remarks and underscored the Commission’s mandate to combat financial crimes through prevention, investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s long-standing cooperation with the U.S. in tackling corruption and financial crimes and expressed optimism about expanding the partnership.

“The relationship between the United States and Nigeria in fighting financial crimes dates way back and has been one of strong synergy and mutually beneficial collaboration.

“We hope to build on this, strengthen it, and take it to the next level,” Olukoyede said.

He called for enhanced U.S. support, particularly in technology, intelligence gathering, and human capital development among others.

Olukoyede said, “The support is needed especially in the areas of technology, intelligence gathering and sharing and human capital development. We recognize the fact that most of the work we do is intelligence-driven.

“And when we talk of intelligence, we are talking of technology. So we need your support in that area. And also need it in capacity building, collaboration, information and intelligence sharing which is very important.

“And we are requesting that America reciprocate by attending to our requests on time because we notice that maybe you consider your laws and all of that. We would just wish you could fast-track your response to some of our requests. We would really appreciate it if you could improve on that during your tenure.”

In addition to tackling corruption, Olukoyede briefed the U.S. delegation on the EFCC’s recent efforts to curb visa fraud, a persistent challenge for foreign missions in Nigeria.

He said, “Last year, I established the Visa Application and Immigration Fraud Section in the EFCC, with desks across our zonal offices to deal with visa racketeering and immigration fraud.

“This unit works around the clock, and we have been getting good results. We need your support in this area as well, through intelligence sharing and technological assistance.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to deepen collaboration with the U.S. in tackling financial crimes and other cross-border criminal activities.