French minister expresses support for EFCC’s anti-graft war

France’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas, Laurent Baile, has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said that Baile made the disclosure while on a courtesy visit to Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede.

“Baile congratulated Olukoyede on his appointment and sued for greater collaboration with the EFCC on modalities for tackling cybercrimes and associated criminalities.

“Discussions were also held on issues pertaining to joint investigations and intelligence sharing,” Oyewale said.

He quoted Olukoyede as also appreciating the visit and restated the Commission’s resolve to drive the war against economic and financial crimes with the right focus.

"We are determined to properly focus the mandate of the Commission on the overall interests of Nigerians.

“The overriding aim of fighting economic and financial crimes is to grow the economy, stimulate development, create jobs, and remove bottlenecks against sustainable development.

“We will be more professional in the way we do our jobs, and we will adhere strictly to the rule of law,” he said.

Olukoyede commended the French government for its longstanding support for the EFCC and called for greater synergy in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes.

Baile was accompanied by Verin Emmanuel, Interior Attaché at the French Embassy.