EFCC and Nigeria Customs Service Forge Stronger Anti-Corruption Alliance in Lagos
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's fight against economic and financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its anti-graft drive by seeking stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos. Both agencies have emphasized that intelligence sharing and joint operations are vital to dismantling criminal networks that undermine the nation's economic stability.
Strategic Meeting Reinforces Partnership
During a courtesy visit on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, met with the Zonal Coordinator of the NCS, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede. Adeniyi described the NCS as a critical agency in tackling financial crimes and stressed that sustained cooperation is essential for effective enforcement.
Adeniyi stated: "The EFCC places high value on strategic partnerships with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service. Through intelligence sharing and joint operations, we can more effectively tackle economic and financial crimes and safeguard Nigeria's economic interests. We want you to continue supporting us in the best way you can via data analysis, information sharing and watch-listing of suspects."
Customs Service Commits to Enhanced Collaboration
In response, Babandede commended the EFCC for its relentless efforts to rid the country of economic and financial crimes. He reaffirmed the NCS's commitment to working closely with the EFCC, emphasizing that collaboration is vital in curbing smuggling, revenue leakages, and other forms of economic sabotage.
Babandede said: "The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to working closely with the EFCC to curb smuggling, revenue leakages, and other forms of economic sabotage. Our collaboration is essential to achieving a safer and more prosperous Nigeria."
Growing Synergy Against Economic Crimes
The meeting highlighted the growing synergy between the EFCC and NCS, with both agencies agreeing on several key strategies:
- Intelligence sharing to identify and track criminal activities
- Joint operations to enhance enforcement capabilities
- Coordinated efforts to strengthen Nigeria's anti-graft war
Observers noted that this partnership underscores the government's broader strategy to protect national economic interests and ensure accountability across critical sectors. By combining resources and expertise, the agencies aim to create a more robust framework for combating corruption and financial malfeasance.
Context of Recent EFCC Actions
This collaboration comes amid ongoing efforts by the EFCC to address high-profile cases. For instance, the commission recently arrested and arraigned Prince Chibuike Echem, a popular Abuja socialite, and Danjuma Mohammed, National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project at the North East Development Commission, over an alleged multi-billion naira contract fraud.
The defendants faced a 55-count charge before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Zuba, including conspiracy, advance fee fraud, and forgery. According to the EFCC, they allegedly defrauded Diamond Leeds Limited of N2.28 billion while posing as contract facilitators with access to major government agencies.
Such cases illustrate the complex nature of economic crimes in Nigeria and the need for coordinated action among law enforcement agencies. The strengthened partnership between the EFCC and NCS in Lagos is expected to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, particularly in a key economic hub like Lagos, where financial activities are concentrated.
As Nigeria continues its anti-graft war, this alliance represents a proactive step toward safeguarding the nation's economic integrity and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
