The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption.

This resolution was emphasized during a meeting between the Director of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, Harry Erin, and the Kwara State Director of the DSS, Michael Oganwu. The DSS director visited the EFCC office in Ilorin on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as part of a familiarization tour.

During the visit, Oganwu highlighted the importance of fostering synergy between security and law enforcement agencies.

“I’m here to familiarize myself with you and to build on the existing cordial relationship between our agencies. The DSS and EFCC have a history of productive collaboration, which I hope will be sustained,” he said.

Oganwu further stressed that global efforts to combat crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing require inter-agency cooperation.

In response, Erin commended the DSS for its support, particularly in intelligence gathering and tracking criminals involved in financial crimes. He underscored that effective inter-agency collaboration is critical to achieving the mandates of government institutions.

In a related development, Erin urged real estate developers to adhere to professional and legal standards to avoid conflicts with the law. He issued this call on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, during a meeting with the Kwara State chapter of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), led by its Chairman, Chief Kamaldeen Abioye.

“The Commission is not here to stifle businesses but to support genuine and legitimate ventures by enforcing laws that bolster the economy,” Erin stated.

He emphasized compliance with the Money Laundering Act, 2022, which prohibits cash transactions exceeding N5 million for individuals and N10 million for corporations without routing through a financial institution. Erin also encouraged developers to register with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), a process that is free and conducted online.

The EFCC director further advised developers to maintain accurate databases of their customers' information, both electronically and in hard copy, to avoid criminal liabilities.

In his remarks, Abioye lauded the EFCC’s efforts and sought the Commission’s assistance in tackling the activities of land grabbers that hinder the operations of real estate developers.

The meetings underscore the EFCC’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in its fight against corruption and financial crimes.