The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has affirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with PTAD to eliminate pension fraud.
Olukoyede made the affirmation on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, when the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate head office in Abuja.
Odunaiya, who said her visit was to seek the collaboration of the anti-graft commission on knowledge sharing and forensic analysis of documents to combat pension fraud, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two agencies to address challenges in the pension industry.
She proposed continuous engagements to exchange knowledge on new developments within the pension sector and the challenges the Directorate encounters in tackling pension fraud.
“The Directorate also requires EFCC’s expertise in the forensic analysis of documents to ascertain genuineness and authenticity. In particular, our interest is specifically in regard to eligibility documents submitted by pensioners for verification,” Odunaiya said.
The PTAD boss, while appreciating the long standing relationship between PTAD and the EFCC, called for strengthened collaboration to enhance the fight against corruption in the pension industry.
“PTAD and the EFCC enjoy an existing beneficial relationship, and we have held engagements in the past focused on addressing matters of mutual concern, including preventing pension fraud and promoting transparency and good governance. It is, therefore, very important that I express PTAD’s appreciation for the relationship our agencies enjoy and all the support that the EFCC has extended to the Directorate over the years. It is my hope that we can continue to strengthen this relationship,” she said.
In his response, Olukoyede welcomed the proposal, expressing the Commission’s readiness ‘to identify with PTAD and we are also ready to build on that relationship to strengthen it. We appreciate what you are doing in the transition arrangement, and you are also aware that we have always been supporting you way back in the area of investigation and in the recovery of money, among others”, he said.
The EFCC Chairman further noted the Commission’s interest in forging alliances with agencies committed to reform and transparency, noting that such partnerships are essential to advancing the nation’s economic interests.
“I keep telling people that the task Mr. President has given us is to use the instruments of our work to promote and stimulate the economy, and there is no doubt that one of the tasks you are also doing is contributing positively to the economy. So, we will not hesitate to collaborate and build synergy with you and take it to the next level,” he said.
