The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Service, DSS, in Kwara State, have reiterated their commitment to strengthening the existing collaboration between them to ensure the success of the fight against corruption.
This was the main thrust of the discussion between the Director, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Harry Erin, and the Kwara State Director, DSS, Michael Oganwu, during his familiarization visit to the EFCC office, Ilorin on Tuesday.
According to the DSS boss, “I’m here to familiarise with you towards building on the existing cordial relationship with your agency.
“The DSS and EFCC have a record of good working relationship, which I hope should be sustained.”
Michael further stressed the need for the two agencies to foster stronger synergy because no organization globally will fight crime, especially money laundering and terrorism financing alone.
Responding, the EFCC boss, chronicled the history of collaboration between the anti-graft agency and the DSS, asserting that inter-agency collaboration was key for any agency of government to succeed on its mandate.
He thanked the DSS for its support to the commission especially in intelligence, tracking of criminals involved in money laundering and terrorism financing.
In a related development, the ECC Zonal Director called for more diligence and professionalism among the real estate developers in the country, especially in the area of “Know Your Customers” , KYC, to avoid running foul of the law.
He gave the admonition while playing host to the executives of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, Kwara State chapter led by its Chairman, Chief Kamaldeen Abioye, who were on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Office, Ilorin.
He explained that “the Commission is not out to cripple anybody’s business, but to give support to genuine or legitimate businesses through the enforcement of laws with a view to bolster the economy.”
Erin also called for compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2022 (as amended), which among other things required them not to transact in cash that is above N5m for individuals and N10m for corporate organizations without going through a financial institution.
“You must also ensure that you register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, adding that the registration is free and it’s online,” he stated.
The Zonal Director also sensitized the members on the need to have an accurate database of their customers’ information to save them from any criminal liability.
He said record keepings of both the electronic and hard copies of the transactions of their customers were very important to the developers.
Earlier, the REDAN Chairman stated that the visit was to seek collaboration with the Commission.
He commended the EFCC for its giant strides and pleaded with it to assist the association in fighting land grabbers whose activities were hampering their businesses.