Tinubu Commissions New EFCC Awka Zonal Directorate To Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive.
In a major effort to expand institutional presence and decentralize the fight against financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially commissioned its new Awka Zonal Directorate located at Udoka Estate, Awka.
The ceremony was performed by the Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting corruption in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering his address, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede emphasized that the establishment of the Awka Directorate—alongside new offices in Ekiti and Katsina states—is aimed at broadening access to justice, protecting legitimate economic activities, and stimulating regional growth.
Highlighting the commission’s operational milestones and strategic shifts, the EFCC Chairman noted that the commission has received over 49,000 petitions and investigated more than 39,000 cases, backed by radical internal reforms to streamline processes and procedures, stating that moving moving beyond reactive law enforcement, the EFCC is monitoring Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) releases to safeguard public funds before theft occurs.
He encouraged members of the public to adopt whistleblowing as a cultural norm and maintain a conscious watch over financial transactions, while EFCC officers were admonished to strictly operate within the ambit of the law, ensuring law enforcement does not turn into public oppression.
Serving as the Keynote Speaker at the event, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, welcomed the commission’s expansion to the state, describing the move as essential for drilling anti-corruption functions down to the grassroots.
He revealed that fighting crime is everybody’s business, pointing out that in a society plagued by economic and financial crimes, there can be no forwardness and added that Anambra State strongly supports the EFCC and will cooperate fully to ensure they deliver results for the people.
Adding to the subnational support, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma commended President Tinubu’s administration for enabling subnational growth, noting that increased financial allocations require decentralized monitoring and highlighted that the EFCC’s modern operational approach reflects a commendable “human face.
Senator Emmanuel Udende Chairman, Senate Committee on Financial Crimes and Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, reiterated legislative backing for agency operations
Earlier, Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, advocated for long-term preventive measures, recommending that anti-corruption courses be integrated into primary school curricula and proposing traditional oaths of office for public officials.
The newly commissioned directorate is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, speed up financial crime investigations, and boost Investor Confidence across Anambra and Imo States as well as the broader South-East region. source Anambra Broadcasting Service
