The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) have reiterated their commitment to intensify cooperation in the fight against economic and financial crimes, including corruption in the country.

The commitment was made during a visit to the EFCC headquarters by the acting Auditor General of the Federation, Dr. Andy Onwudili, on Monday.

Onwudili, who was accompanied by directors of the OAuGF, said his visit was meant to strengthen the existing collaboration between the anti-graft agency and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, noting that the mandate of both organisations were similar and critical.

He commended the efforts of the EFCC in fighting economic and financial crimes, noting that the commission’s record of 3785 convictions in 2022, as against the 2220 recorded in 2021, was encouraging.

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The Auditor General restated the OAuGF’s commitment to accountability and transparency in line with its constitutional mandate but admitted that its performance was hampered by challenges of budget, among others.

Onwudili, however, commended the intervention of some agencies, especially the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, which he said supported the completion of the OAuGF’s Forensic Laboratory in 2022 and the training of 40 Auditors on the use of software.

In his remarks, the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, assured the Auditor General that the commission will do its best to assist him to succeed in the discharge of the constitutional responsibilities of his office,

He said the commission will push to ensure the OAuGF is well funded “because it will make our work easier”.

The EFCC boss further enjoined Onwudili to ensure quick response to enquiries from the commission, noting that the two organisations were working for a common purpose, “which is improving the wellbeing of Nigerians and Nigeria”.

The Star