The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the fight against corruption, cybercrime and other financial crimes, with both sides pledging closer collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.
According to an official statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the commitment was made by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mignot described the EFCC as a critical institution for Nigeria’s stability and prosperity, noting that its role is essential in fostering a transparent business environment capable of attracting foreign investment.
He said the EU considers the Commission a strategic partner and expressed confidence that strong anti-corruption institutions would assure potential European investors that Nigeria is a safe destination for business.
The ambassador said the partnership between the EU and the EFCC, which dates back to the establishment of the Commission, has continued to grow through initiatives such as the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
He said the EU would continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening the Commission’s institutional capacity, improving investigations and enhancing the prosecution of financial crimes.
Mignot also disclosed that the EU was expanding its support for Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime by proposing specialised training for EFCC personnel on the Cybercrime Response Centre, while discussions on the implementation of the programme were ongoing.
He added that the bloc was increasing support for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance, describing cybercrime as a growing threat that requires sustained international cooperation.
The ambassador noted that the visit came at a significant period in EU-Nigeria relations, stressing that the EU and its member states remain among Nigeria’s largest trade, investment and development partners. He said the union was working to mobilise more European private sector investment into Nigeria, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors.
Responding, EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the Commission remained committed to eliminating economic and financial crimes while creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.
He said the EFCC had recorded notable progress in tackling cybercrime and terrorism financing, citing Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as evidence of the country’s improved compliance with international standards.
Olukoyede explained that the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate extends beyond investigation and prosecution to creating confidence in Nigeria’s business environment and attracting investment.
He said the proposed Cybercrime Response Centre would operate 24 hours a day to receive reports, gather intelligence and respond swiftly to cyber-related offences in order to better protect businesses and investors.
The EFCC Chairman assured the European Union and its member states of the Commission’s continued commitment to safeguarding legitimate investments and strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
