EFCC Sets Up Directorate to Track State Funds

The anti-graft agency introduces new measures to monitor government allocations and prevent the diversion of public resources.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established a new directorate to monitor funds received and spent by state governments across Nigeria.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced the development during a special lecture marking Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary in Gusau.

Speaking at the event, Olukoyede said the initiative was designed to prevent corruption, strengthen financial accountability and ensure that public resources are properly managed.

The move signals a shift in the commission’s approach to fighting corruption, with greater emphasis on preventing financial crimes before public funds are diverted.

Why EFCC Is Monitoring State Government Funds

According to Olukoyede, the newly established directorate will monitor the inflow and outflow of state government funds.

The commission aims to identify financial irregularities and prevent the diversion, embezzlement and misuse of public resources.

Olukoyede explained that the EFCC is moving beyond its traditional focus on investigating and prosecuting financial crimes after they have occurred.

Instead, the agency intends to strengthen preventive measures that could help detect potential financial misconduct earlier.

The initiative is expected to improve oversight of public finances and encourage greater transparency in government spending.

However, the commission has not publicly provided detailed information about the directorate’s staffing, operational structure or implementation timetable.

EFCC Joins FAAC Meetings to Track Allocations

The EFCC chairman also disclosed that officials of the commission have been included in meetings of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

FAAC oversees the distribution of revenue from the Federation Account among the federal, state and local governments.

According to Olukoyede, the EFCC’s participation will help the commission monitor financial allocations to state governments.

He said the arrangement would strengthen accountability in the management and expenditure of public funds.

The development introduces an additional monitoring measure as questions continue over how government allocations translate into infrastructure, public services and economic development.

However, the commission has yet to explain the specific procedures it will use to track expenditure after allocations reach state government accounts.

EFCC Shifts Focus to Preventing Corruption

Olukoyede said preventing financial crimes was becoming an important part of the EFCC’s anti-corruption strategy.

The commission has traditionally investigated allegations of financial misconduct, prosecuted suspects and pursued the recovery of stolen assets.

Under the new approach, greater attention will be directed towards identifying financial risks before they result in losses to the public treasury.

The EFCC chairman maintained that stronger oversight would promote responsible financial management and reduce opportunities for corruption.

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how the new monitoring arrangements are implemented and whether they lead to greater transparency in state expenditure.

Olukoyede Speaks at Zamfara’s 30th Anniversary

Olukoyede made the announcement during a lecture organised to commemorate 30 years since Zamfara State was created.

The event brought together government officials, academics and other stakeholders to discuss accountability, security and sustainable development.

During the programme, the EFCC chairman also commended Governor Dauda Lawal for what he described as improvements in infrastructure, education and governance.

He cited developments in Gusau, including road construction, streetlights and airport infrastructure.

Governor Lawal, in his remarks, highlighted his administration’s Six-Point Rescue Agenda and the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025–2034.

The governor said the policies were intended to address challenges in security, infrastructure, education and economic development.

While the anniversary provided the setting for Olukoyede’s announcement, the establishment of the EFCC directorate has broader implications for financial accountability across Nigeria’s state governments.