EFCC Warns Against Black Market For Repackaged Government Palliatives

EFCC Warns Against Black Market For Repackaged Government Palliatives

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has strongly berated the trend of the repackaging, rebranding, and resale of government palliatives meant for the general populace.

Olukoyede pointed out that such actions compromise the government’s initiatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by vulnerable groups.

Ireporteronline reports that the EFCC chairman made these comments during a meeting with Olatunji Bello, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, in Abuja.

In a statement released on Friday, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, conveyed that Olukoyede called upon the FCCPC to collaborate with the EFCC by sharing intelligence to improve operational effectiveness.

The EFCC Chairman acknowledged that the FCCPC had uncovered various issues concerning the misappropriation of palliatives and stressed that a partnership with the anti-graft agency would be instrumental in preventing such misconduct.

Olukoyede said, “Sometimes when the government releases palliatives, they do not reach the intended recipients.

“Instead, some individuals repackage, rebrand, and sell them. There are all sorts of shenanigans in our systems. It is, therefore, crucial that you share your intelligence with us to support your compliance or surveillance departments and overall operations.

“When you have such intelligence, please do not hesitate to inform us. You have been effective in identifying these issues, but sanctions are also necessary.

“The only thing that deters people is sanctions. We are committed to strengthening our collaboration and taking it to new heights to ensure that people feel the impact of your work.”

In his remark, Bello disclosed that the purpose of his visit was to seek greater collaboration with the EFCC to improve the delivery of the FCCPC’s mandate.

He said, “We believe in a collaborative effort. We need to leverage the strengths of your work, particularly in areas related to surveillance and investigation involving consumers. Our duty is to protect the interests of consumers in Nigeria.”