The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, sought the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in halting revenue shortages and financial leakages across Nigeria. During a courtesy visit to the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Ogunjimi emphasized the need for a strong partnership between the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and the EFCC to achieve sustainable fiscal management and effective budget implementation.
He stated that the recurring financial leakages were undermining the federal government’s efforts to fund the 2025 budget, including salary obligations and capital projects. According to Ogunjimi, the OAGF’s mandate to manage public finances effectively is increasingly hampered by fraudulent activities and revenue losses within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), which necessitates EFCC’s expertise in financial crime investigation and enforcement.
AGF: “We Can’t Achieve Better Results Without EFCC”
Ogunjimi reiterated that the EFCC occupies a critical position in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and public finance landscape. He noted that without the Commission’s support in tracking and halting illicit financial flows, the OAGF’s ability to meet its obligations would remain limited. “Currently, the country is witnessing a lot in terms of revenue leakages and shortages, and so we believe that for us to be able to perform or achieve our mandate, we need your support and collaboration,” he declared.
Highlighting the shared objectives of both institutions, Ogunjimi emphasized that a synergy between the OAGF and the EFCC would be mutually beneficial in the long run. He maintained that such collaboration would not only curb waste and misappropriation of public funds but also restore transparency and accountability to Nigeria’s financial systems.
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Pledges Full Support
In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the AGF’s request and pledged the Commission’s full cooperation in combating financial irregularities within the public sector. He stated that the EFCC remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the nation’s financial ecosystem and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the proposed collaboration.
“We want to pledge our commitment and support to ensure that we create a saner and sound financial system in Nigeria. That is part of our mandate,” Olukoyede affirmed. He stressed the importance of inter-agency partnerships in achieving broader national development goals, especially in times of economic challenges and dwindling revenues.
Joint Efforts to Strengthen Public Finance Management
Olukoyede acknowledged that both institutions share the responsibility of ensuring Nigeria’s resources are effectively managed and utilized. He said that by harnessing their collective strengths, the EFCC and the OAGF could efficiently monitor public funds, identify areas of wastage, and implement corrective measures that will yield long-term financial stability.
“It lies in your hands and my hands to ensure that we come together… We can block the leakages. By virtue of my experience in office and what we have seen, I believe Nigeria is highly resourceful. If we can manage our resources, we will be able to fund those projects,” Olukoyede added.
Funding the 2025 Budget and Beyond
The 2025 federal budget faces significant implementation risks due to rising operational costs and declining revenue streams. With calls for tighter fiscal discipline, the AGF’s appeal highlights the urgent need to plug leakages and optimize revenue mobilization efforts. The proposed collaboration with the EFCC marks a proactive step towards fiscal sustainability and the realization of national development priorities.
As both agencies gear up for intensified cooperation, stakeholders are hopeful that such initiatives will curb corruption, enhance financial integrity, and ensure that scarce public resources are channeled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and job creation.
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