SSDC Seeks EFCC Partnership on Transparency and Accountability

By Anayo Akwitti

The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has called for collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the financial activties of the Commision are properly guided by compliance with extant financial laws.

Usoro made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting focused on establishing common ground to ensure SSDC’s operations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency from inception. Akpabio praised the EFCC’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and acknowledged the significant reforms under Olukoyede’s leadership.

She declared SSDC’s zero-tolerance policy towards financial crimes, leakages, and malpractices, stating that at the SSDC, the watchwords are accountability, integrity, and transparency. “We are committed to aligning our activities with the EFCC’s stringent standards for financial compliance right from the outset,” she said.

After outlining SSDC’s mandate to drive economic development across the South-South, Akpabio formally sought collaborative support to ensure all internal and external financial activities comply with national laws. She specifically requested specialized cybercrime training for staff and partnership on public awareness campaigns against financial crimes.

In his response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed SSDC’s proactive approach and pledged the agency’s full support. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to financial regulations and anti-corruption frameworks, announcing partnership in fraud risk assessments, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.

Olukoyede highlighted the EFCC Academy’s certification to provide nationwide training and urged SSDC to remain committed to uplifting lives and entrenching good governance in the South-South region.