The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Rivers State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for more credible intelligence sharing in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in the country.
This call was made in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, by the Comptroller, Immigration Services, CIS, Bashir Mohammed Mohammed Saddiq, while on a courtesy visit to the Ag. Zonal Director, Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC.
Saddiq stated that a stronger and more efficient collaboration with the EFCC will boost synergy, intelligence sharing and greater strength in combating corrupt practices. “ My visit here is to foster stronger and more effective collaboration with your Commission. The EFCC and the Nigeria Immigration Service have been collaborating, working together in harmony. I think we need to come up with strategic plans to be able to see how we can resolve issues concerning crime because the efforts of the EFCC and Immigration is all geared towards achieving one goal which is at least, to make life better for our citizens”, he said.
The Comptroller added that Immigration will always join hands with the EFCC to ensure that people who have been watch-listed by the Commission do not escape overnight from the country, either through the airports or land borders but will be pinned to stay back and face the law.
Responding, the Ag. Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Adebayo Adeniyi welcomed the Comptroller and members of his entourage on the visit. He appreciated the existing relationship between the two agencies adding that they have a lot more to do together in combating the menace of corruption, and economic and financial crime.
He further commended the Immigration Service for its roles in the fight against economic crimes, especially in keeping a tab on individuals watch-listed by the Commission and preventing them from scampering to other countries. He also called for a more robust relationship and synergy between the two Agencies.
“Thank you very much, Comptroller. This is what we have been preaching regarding collaboration, there is that need for us to be on the same page, there is that need for us to know that we are out there for the same goal” he said.
