The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu has said that the current budget for the commission is inadequate.
While defending the EFCC’s budget, Magu urged the Senate to increase the budgetary allocation to enable the commission function effectively i the 2017 fiscal year.
Magu also informed the Senate that the EFCC’s budget has been reduced from N18.8 billion in 2016 to N17 billion – an 8.5% slash by the budget office.
He said if the allocation for 2017 was not increased, activities at the commission will be hindered.
He also noted that the 2017 capital expenditure was N7.1 billion; overhead at N3 billion while the personnel cost is at N7 billion.
He also asked the Senate to increase the personnel cost of the commission from N7 billion to N9.7 billion.
He said the increase will accommodate the proposed recruitment of 750 cadet officers in 2017 and 530 recruited in the past year.
Also, the EFCC chairman urged the Senate to ensure the completion of the anti-graft agency’s head office in Abuja.
He added that the present office was hampering operation process at the commission.
Meanwhile, responding to Magu’s demand, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes Chukwuka Utazi commended Magu and the commission in their fight against corruption.
Utazi said the past year’s budget performance by the EFCC was not properly computed with appropriate percentage of performance.
While calling for diligence and dedication by officials of the commission in bringing corruption in Nigeria to a zero level, Utazi said it is important that the EFCC and the Senate work in synergy and maintain good relationship.
He also cautioned the commission against running to the presidency to seek for extra funds or intervention in carrying out its activities.
