EFCC, NAFDAC Forge Alliance to Tackle Economic Sabotage

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have pledged to deepen their partnership in the fight against economic sabotage, particularly in Nigeria’s health sector. This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Mr. Olukoyede emphasized that compliance remains critical to Nigeria’s development and the broader fight against corruption. “Without compliance, all efforts at fighting corruption and ensuring Nigeria’s development will be in vain,” he noted, adding that bridging the gap between developing and advanced nations depends significantly on adherence to established rules and regulatory frameworks.

He further explained the EFCC’s broad mandate, which covers both financial crimes and acts of economic sabotage. “Our mandate allows us to collaborate with all stakeholders to tackle financial crimes and economic sabotage. If anyone exploits loopholes in our laws or regulations for financial gain, the EFCC has the authority to investigate and prosecute,” Olukoyede stated. He highlighted that beyond financial crimes, offenses such as smuggling fake drugs, tampering with oil pipelines, or any act resulting in illicit pecuniary gain fall under the Commission’s purview.

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The EFCC Chairman pledged unwavering support to NAFDAC, especially in prosecuting individuals or groups that profit illegally at the expense of Nigerian health and safety. “Wherever a financial or pecuniary gain is established, the EFCC will intervene. We are committed to supporting your efforts in ensuring compliance and protecting citizens,” he assured.

In her remarks, Professor Adeyeye commended the EFCC’s resolve and underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration to address the “hydra-headed monster” of corruption. She stressed the necessity for sensitization, appropriate tools, and the support of security agencies to stem the tide of compromise and ensure that Nigeria’s regulatory environment works efficiently for the benefit of all.

“NAFDAC seeks to foster collaboration with security agencies to block economic sabotage and promote compliance,” Professor Adeyeye affirmed. She acknowledged the ongoing challenge posed by corruption and emphasized the need for a united front among public institutions to safeguard Nigeria’s health sector and economy.

The two agencies are expected to intensify joint actions, leveraging each other’s strengths to ensure fake drugs, substandard products, and other forms of economic sabotage are effectively combated across the country.