EFCC, Police, Other Stakeholders Unite Against Illicit Financial Flows in Akwa Ibom

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) across the country to redouble their efforts in offering support to the EFCC in its fight against Illicit Financial Flows.
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He made the call in Uyo at a two-day workshop organized by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) under its SecFin Africa Project, with the theme “Strengthening CSOs and Media Capacity to Contribute to the Fight against Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Nigeria”. The event drew participants from various CSOs.

The EFCC’s boss decried the damaging impact of IFFs stressing that they stall development, destroy public trust and cast slur on governance. He noted that CSOs have important roles to play through advocacy, investigative reporting and public awareness. He further emphasized that the fight against financial crimes requires collaboration among law enforcement agencies, government institutions, CSOs, and the media.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head of the Public Affairs Department, ACE II TE Nwosu, assured both the organizers and participants that the EFCC remained resolute in its mandate to investigate, prevent, and prosecute financial crimes. He then called on CSOs to continue to raise public awareness, promote transparency, and strengthen the integrity of the financial system for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.

Earlier, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, in his welcome address stated that IFFs pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and development. He identified corruption, money laundering, procurement fraud, tax evasion, trade mis-invoicing, and profit shifting as practices contributing to illicit financial flows. He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, and CSOs to promote transparency and accountability.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, gave a comprehensive breakdown of what constitutes IFFs and the threat it poses to our collective development. He also gave clarity on how to identify these crimes, prevent them and made some recommendations. Speaking further, Azare explained that “illicit financial flows constitute a major obstacle to economic development, economic governance, and social development in many countries, including Nigeria. They are monies or assets that are illegally acquired, transferred, concealed or utilized. They may arise from corruption, fraud, organized crime, tax-related abuses, smuggling, trafficking, cybercrimes, money laundering, and other illegal activities, and the consequences are far-reaching. These are monies that would have been used to build schools, hospitals, and developmental projects”

Akwa Ibom

Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, SecFin Africa Project Representative, gave a presentation titled “Understanding Illicit Financial Flows in Nigeria: Concepts, Typologies and Development Impact.” He discussed the nature, sources, and various typologies of IFFs, stressing that illicit financial flows are not only about the disappearance of money but also the loss of opportunities and resources that could contribute to national development.

Also speaking, Chinedum Odenyi, Head, Legal Operations Division, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), discussed the NFIU’s functions and key mandate, including its role in financial intelligence and combating money laundering and other financial crimes.
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Governor Umo Eno Reveals Economic Gains of Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel, Shopping City Projects

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed delight over the economic impact and employment opportunities created by the ongoing International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City projects in Uyo.
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Governor Eno said the projects, beyond their infrastructural significance, have engaged more than 2,000 people daily over the past year, thereby contributing to economic activities and enhancing peace and security in the State.

The Governor spoke on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while addressing members of the Government House Press Corps shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction works at the three project sites in Uyo.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, describing the projects as a manifestation of visions conceived by previous administrations.

“I am happy that there is visible progress and we thank God for what we see on ground. The International Hotel and the International Conference Centre were envisaged 16 years ago and I am happy that we are realizing that vision,” he said.

Governor Eno said the projects would also support the State’s tourism development and youth empowerment objectives under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

According to him, the facilities, when completed, would boost tourism, attract visitors and investors, create employment opportunities for youths and showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential to the international community.

“The International Convention Centre can take 5,000 people, and there are partitions that would help you segment your meetings. There are twelve breakout rooms, restaurant and other facilities” he said.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing modern tourism facilities that would complement Akwa Ibom’s growing profile as a tourism destination.

“What we are seeing here is part of development. If this is a state capital, and we want tourists to visit, we must have the facilities to accommodate them by developing those facilities to international standards,” he added.

Governor Eno commended the contractors handling the projects for maintaining the pace of work and expressed hope that the facilities would be completed and commissioned on schedule for the benefit of the people.

Umo Eno

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga; Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; other members of the State Executive Council and government officials.
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Governor Eno Receives AIG of Police, Reaffirms Support for Security Agencies

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to ensure effective policing and sustained peace across the State.
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The Governor stated this on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when he received the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Rashid Afegbua, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.

Governor Eno commended the security agencies in the State for their commitment, dedication and synergy, noting that their efforts had largely contributed to the peace and security enjoyed by the people of Akwa Ibom.

He welcomed AIG Afegbua to the zone, congratulated him on his new assignment, and appreciated him for the visit to the State.

The Governor expressed optimism that the assumption of office by the new AIG would further complement the efforts of the Police and strengthen the security architecture across the zone.

Governor Eno also commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Muhammad Azare, for his proactive role in maintaining peace and security in Akwa Ibom State, as well as for fostering synergy and a cordial relationship between the Police, other security agencies and the civil populace.

“Thank you for the work you do and the support we get, and for the proactive response that we receive. We will continue to ask for it, and we will continue to do the best we can to support the Police and other security agencies to discharge their duties,” the Governor said.

Earlier in his remarks, AIG Afegbua thanked Governor Eno for the reception accorded him and commended the Governor for prioritising peace and security through focused and purposeful governance.

He explained that his visit was to familiarise himself with, and formally register his presence with, the leadership and people of the State which is under his zone.

The new AIG assured the Governor of his readiness to collaborate with the State Government and provide the necessary support towards sustaining security and peace for the continued development of Akwa Ibom State.

The AIG was accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Azare Baba, DCP Audu Lawan, DCP Joseph Esegine, DCP Barko, ACP Asuquo Ebong, DSP Jefferson Osupe, and Asp James Ogeh.

Governor Eno, police

With the Governor to receive the team were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen Koko Essien (rtd), Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (rtd), State Accountant – General, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, CSO to the Governor, CSP Besta Sini John, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh and others.
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