By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs (FMSDIGA), Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, has called for strategic collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of government projects across the country.
Dr. Ihemelandu made this known on Thursday, July 10, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja alongside his team. According to a statement issued by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Permanent Secretary commended the Commission for its relentless efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration.
“We are seeking strengthened monitoring through inter-agency support by proposing a framework of collaboration with the EFCC into joint investigation and monitoring of questionable or high-value projects,” Dr. Ihemelandu stated. “We need access to EFCC intelligence in cases where fraud is suspected. We also need your presence in project locations.”
He also stressed the importance of capacity building, requesting the EFCC’s assistance in training ministry officials on forensic verification techniques, detection of procurement fraud, and legal compliance in project certification. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of anonymous reporting channels for citizens and stakeholders to report cases of project abandonment, fraud, or misrepresentation.
Using the opportunity, the Permanent Secretary appealed to the EFCC to advise the Federal Government to revert and domicile all Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) to FMSDIGA for better oversight. He added that appointing a liaison officer from the EFCC to work closely with the Ministry would improve public trust, facilitate recovery of public funds, and deter corruption in project execution.
In response, the Secretary to the EFCC, Mohammad Hammajoda, expressed appreciation for the visit and reiterated the Commission’s readiness to support the Ministry’s efforts. He emphasized the importance of broader inter-agency collaboration for effective service delivery.
“Whatever that is humanly possible to support your work, we will give to you,” Hammajoda assured. “You also have to go to all your stakeholders to also collaborate with you as well. Go back to the National Assembly, Accountant General of the Federation, and also the Budget Office, and align with them to finetune a framework that will allow you function properly.”
He further disclosed that the EFCC has a dedicated department, the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department, fully equipped to support project monitoring efforts. “Let us know, and we will go with you anytime you are ready,” he concluded.
