The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yakubu Dogara paid a working visit to the new Head Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing it as ‘a dream come true’, while advocating for better welfare package for staff.
He added that the huge amount expended by the government on the project is justified considering the quality of infrastructure put in place and the fine finish of the work.
Dogara, stated this at the EFCC’s new office located at plot 301/302 Research and Institution Cadastral District, Jabi, Abuja.
The project which has been under construction for over eight years is being handled by Julius Berger Construction Company and is due for commissioning next week Tuesday.
A visibly elated Dogara said, “You can see now, we have an excellent facility. I want to commend all who have contributed to the successful completion of this project particularly the Acting Chairman, EFCC, and his team. For me, it is a dream come true. This is the kind of thing we want to see”.
He urged the EFCC staff to reciprocate the good gesture of the enabling environment provided by the government in ensuring that looters of our commonwealth are brought to justice.
The Speaker stressed the need for better welfare package for the Commission staff, acknowledging the risks associated with their job.
His words: “This is a cutting-edge facility that has been delivered. It should be merged with cutting-edge services. Investing in physical infrastructure without investing in the people who combat the scourge is not enough.
“I think it is time for us to look at the welfare package of the EFCC staff, who are putting their lives on the line to ensure that they combat the menace that has caused retardation to this great nation, in terms of economic advancement and development”.
The Speaker promised that the National Assembly would ensure that the take home package including emolument and entitlements of staff were upgraded to meet the expectations that the society holds on them to be able to deliver on their mandate.
In company of the Speaker were Hon. Kayode Oladele, Chairman, House Committee on Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption; Hon. Sampson Okon, Chairman, House Committee on Inter-parliamentary and his Chief of Staff, Jerry Manwe.
The entourage were taken on a tour of the various facilities at the site, including the Northern and Western Wings of the building, Forensic building, Clinic, Detention and Security facilities, and the Power Generating Unit.
Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman EFCC, appreciated Dogara and his entourage for the visit promising to do everything possible to meet up with the expectations.
“We thank the Speaker for having time to come here and for his continuous support, we are very grateful. We will meet up and we will not disappoint Nigerians”, he said.
