By Edem Ekpo
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has expressed its readiness to forge a strong partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance transparency and accountability in its operations.
Managing Director of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, stated this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Akpabio said the collaboration would help ensure the agency’s financial activities are strictly guided by national laws and global best practices.
She commended the EFCC for its efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and applauded the reforms introduced under Olukoyede’s leadership.
Reaffirming the SSDC’s zero tolerance for financial crimes and leakages, Akpabio noted that accountability, integrity, and transparency remain the agency’s guiding principles.
“We are committed to aligning all our operations with the EFCC’s compliance standards right from the start,” she said.
She also outlined the SSDC’s mandate to drive development across the South-South region and sought the EFCC’s support to ensure proper monitoring of all financial transactions.
In addition, Akpabio requested specialized training for SSDC personnel on cybercrime prevention as well as joint campaigns to raise public awareness about financial crimes.
Responding, Olukoyede welcomed the SSDC’s proactive stance and pledged the EFCC’s full support.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to financial regulations and anti-corruption frameworks, assuring collaboration in fraud risk assessment, capacity building, and sensitization programmes.
He added that the EFCC Academy is certified to provide training nationwide and urged the SSDC to stay focused on improving livelihoods and entrenching good governance in the South-South region.