AGF seeks EFCC’s support to curb revenue leakages, fund 2025 budget

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has called for strategic collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat revenue leakages and financial shortages threatening Nigeria’s economic stability and the successful implementation of the 2025 national budget.

Ogunjimi made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, where he met with the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

In his remarks, the AGF emphasized that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and the EFCC share a common mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public finances.

He noted that the magnitude of revenue losses across government institutions requires a coordinated, inter-agency approach to stop the drain on national resources.

“It is because of the strategic position of this office to our organization, that is, the OAGF, that we feel we cannot go further or achieve better results without effective collaboration with this Commission,” Ogunjimi said.

“Currently, the country is witnessing significant revenue shortages and leakages. For us to effectively deliver on our mandate — especially funding the national budget and ensuring the timely payment of salaries — we need the active support and collaboration of the EFCC in tracing fraudulent transactions and blocking the gaps,” he added.

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Ogunjimi highlighted the urgent need to shore up Nigeria’s revenue base by preventing financial infractions within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting that fiscal discipline is central to sustainable national development.

Responding, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede pledged the Commission’s full cooperation and support in tackling systemic weaknesses in public finance management. He underscored the EFCC’s commitment to creating a more transparent and accountable financial system in Nigeria.

“We want to pledge our commitment and support to ensure we create a saner and sound financial system in Nigeria. That is part of our mandate. We share a similar mandate with your office, and it is important that we execute our duties in the most transparent and accountable manner possible,” Olukoyede stated.

He noted that the synergy between the EFCC and OAGF could be transformative in harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources more effectively. By working together, Olukoyede said, both institutions can stem financial misconduct and free up vital funds for national development.

“It lies in your hands and mine to ensure that we come together and take joint action. We can block the leakages,” Olukoyede affirmed.

“From my experience in office and what we have observed, Nigeria is highly resourceful. If we manage those resources properly, we will be able to fund critical projects and strengthen our economy.”