The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to tackle the dollarisation of Nigeria’s economy and illegal mining activities.
The Ilorin Zonal Director of EFCC, Victoria Ugo-Ali, stated this during courtesy visits to the CBN Branch Controller in Ilorin, Monga Muhammed, and the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kwara Command, Hossein Ayuba Muhammed, on March 10.
Speaking at the CBN office, Ugo-Ali said the engagement was aimed at strengthening partnerships with institutions whose mandates align with the commission’s efforts to combat economic and financial crimes.
She noted that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is determined to curb the growing use of foreign currencies in domestic transactions, describing the trend as a threat to the stability of the nation’s financial system.
Ugo-Ali also emphasised the importance of financial intelligence and prompt reporting of suspicious transactions by financial institutions to help the commission tackle money laundering and other financial crimes.
In his response, the CBN Branch Controller, Monga Muhammed, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued cooperation with the EFCC, noting that both institutions perform complementary roles in safeguarding the economy.
He added that the apex bank has introduced measures to curb naira abuse and dollarisation, warning that individuals or organisations found engaging in illegal currency trading would face sanctions.
During her visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Ugo-Ali highlighted the agency’s role in addressing illegal mining, especially activities involving foreign nationals exploiting Nigeria’s mineral resources.
She stressed that effective border control, monitoring of foreigners, and intelligence sharing are key to combating the menace.
The NIS Comptroller, Hossein Ayuba Muhammed, assured the EFCC of the service’s full support, promising closer collaboration in tracking and profiling foreign nationals involved in illegal economic activities.
