EFCC calls on Jigawa State public servants to uphold transparency, accountability

Stanley Ihedigbo

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is stressing the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in the public sector.

Specifically, Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Commander Ibrahim Shazali, has urged public servants in Jigawa State to uphold these values in their professional duties.

The call to action is part of a broader effort to combat corruption and promote good governance in Nigeria.

He made the call in Dutse while presenting a paper titled “Corrupt Practices and Punishments in Government Businesses” delivered at a three-day sensitisation workshop organised by the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

In his presentation, Shazali emphasized the need for public servants to lead by example in the fight against corruption.

He highlighted the detrimental effects of corrupt practices on national development and warned that offenders risk imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and disqualification from public office under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.

The Zonal Director commended the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for organising the workshop and reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes.

He urged participants to report suspicious activities and become ambassadors of change in their workplaces.

While appreciating JSPCACC for organizing the workshop, the EFCC’s Director also congratulated the agency on its first anniversary since its inauguration.

He described its establishment as well-thought-out and timely.

‘’I would like to extend my gratitude to the leadership of the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (JSPCACC) for organizing this great event which is very timely to educate public servants on issues of government management and inform them about corruption and its vices. This will surely strengthen integrity, accountability, and ethical governance”, he said.

He said that the establishment of JSPCACC will complement the efforts of federal anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and CCB’’.

Shazali further described corruption as a common enemy that should be collectively fought. “Corruption remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, eroding public trust, stifling economic growth, and perpetuating inequality. As public servants, we have a collective responsibility to combat this menace and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity”, he said.

‘’Stressing further, he pointed out that “corruption in government affairs is not merely an administrative flaw; it is a fundamental threat to governance, development, and public trust. It manifests in various forms, including bribery and kickbacks in public contracts and procurement processes, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds meant for essential public services, abuse of office and favoritism that undermine meritocracy and efficiency contract inflation and kickbacks, among others”.