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EFCC, CAC Join Forces against Unregistered POS Operators

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By Francis Wilfred

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, have expressed concerns over risks being posed to businesses and national security by the activities of unregistered Point of Sale, POS, operators.The concerns were expressed in Abuja when the Board Chairman, CAC, Senator Ibrahim Adah paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr, Ola Olukoyede at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Abuja.

Idah, who came with some management staff of the CAC, sought EFCC’s support in enforcing compliance among POS operators nationwide, disclosing that, “presently, only about 20% of POS operators are registered with CAC, a situation inconsistent with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA 2020, and the Central Bank Nigeria Agent Banking Regulations 2026, which require all businesses operating under a business name to be duly registered. “Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, we seek closer cooperation in developing a reliable database of POS operators for use by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies.” He warned that evidence increasingly suggests that criminal proceeds, including ransom payments linked to kidnapping cases, are sometimes routed through POS terminals.

Idah also said that his visit was aimed at engaging public institutions that maintain close working relationships with his Commission and applauded the EFCC for its role in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He stressed that both institutions have interconnected mandates, explaining that while CAC registers and regulates companies in Nigeria, EFCC investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

Decrying the misuse of some corporate entities for fraudulent activities, he stressed that, “When companies are misused for fraud or money laundering, the mandates of both institutions are directly affected. Neither of the two agencies can therefore fight and win the war against economic and financial offences, especially those perpetrated through corporate entities, if we work alone. Collaboration is required in that regard.

A strong CAC registry makes the work of EFCC easier. Just as strong EFCC enforcement protects the integrity of the CAC corporate registry.” “The CAC Board is fully committed to this partnership. We see the EFCC as a serious and strategic partner in this drive to deepen corporate compliance, promote transparency, and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” he said.

In response, Olukoyede also expressed concerns about POS operators, describing their activities as a major challenge to the nation’s financial system, adding that, “if you do not regulate the activities of such key players, you will be having major problems and challenges within your financial ecosystem.” He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the CAC in combating economic crimes and promoting regulatory compliance.

The EFCC’s boss described the CAC as the “gateway to economic growth in Nigeria because the first contact of foreign investors in Nigeria is the Corporate Affairs Commission.” He disclosed that the EFCC had established a dedicated desk to handle matters involving the CAC while revealing that ongoing investigations involving about 200 companies had yielded considerable results.

He noted that most public corruption cases investigated by EFCC involve procurement and contract fraud carried out through companies regulated by CAC.He also stressed the need for both agencies to tackle insider deficits and strengthen internal accountability.

Olukoyede directed officials of both agencies to review and update an existing Memorandum of Understanding to reflect current realities on data sharing and intelligence exchange, especially in the area of beneficial ownership information and data protection.

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Police Academy Wudil Gets New Commandant

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By Jabiru Hassan

The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.

In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.

Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.

He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.

The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.

During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.

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Nigerian Farmers Commend Gettado’s Leadership of AFAN

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By Jabiru Hassan

Farmers from different parts of Nigeria have expressed support for the leadership of Muhammad Magaji Gettado as National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The farmers, in a joint statement, passed a vote of confidence in Gettado, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at improving the agricultural sector and making farming more sustainable and profitable. The statement was signed by Alhaji Sulaiman Umar of Gombe State and Malam Abdullahi Mai Nasara of Katsina.

The farmers described AFAN as a platform for promoting unity among farmers and representing their interests in engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.They said Gettado’s leadership style had strengthened cooperation among members and promoted greater participation across different categories of farmers.

According to the farmers, his background in agricultural development had informed his approach to addressing challenges facing the sector. They also commended previous AFAN leaders for their contributions to agricultural development and said continuity in efforts to improve farmers’ welfare remained important.

Farmers from the six geopolitical zones also expressed their support for Gettado, pledging to work together to promote food production, economic development and opportunities for farmers.They called for continued collaboration among farmers, government institutions and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural productivity.

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Kogi Government Commends Foundation for Rebuilding Community Secondary School

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From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation for reconstructing Community Secondary School, Oke Agi, in Mopamuro Local Government Area, and urged more private organisations to support education infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, gave the commendation on Wednesday during an inspection of the reconstructed school.Fanwo described the project, led by Engr. Adebayo Mike Arayegbemi, as a significant investment in the educational development of the community.

He said the state government was allocating more than 30 per cent of its expenditure to education but could not meet every infrastructure need without support from private individuals and organisations.

Fanwo said the government would consider integrating the school into the state’s public education system and directed the Ministry of Education to assess the possibility of taking over its management.

The reconstructed facility comprises nine classroom blocks, four administrative offices, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory and a hall for external examinations. It also has a solar power installation designed to provide electricity to the school. Fanwo announced a N1.75 million support package in scholarships and communication gadgets for students of the school.

The Danayangun of Oke Agi, HRH Oba Joshua Are, thanked the foundation for the project, which he said was about 99 per cent complete. The school is expected to be officially commissioned later in the year.

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