EFCC Overhauls Leadership Structure with Major Restructuring, Appoints 14 Zonal Directors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a major restructuring, appointing 14 new zonal directors and a Chief of Staff as part of the changes. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede appointed Michael Nzekwe, a seasoned lawyer and former commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command, as his new Chief of Staff.

Nzekwe, described as a “topnotch investigator,” has served in various capacities within the EFCC, including the Legal and Prosecution Department, Department of Operations, and Department of Internal Affairs. The Commission’s Head of Publicity, Dele Oyewale, noted that Nzekwe’s appointment is part of the agency’s efforts to enhance its operational efficiency.

In addition to appointing zonal directors for the 14 zonal commands, Olukoyede has elevated each of the zonal commands to the status of Departments, with directors overseeing operations in each zone. This restructuring aims to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to combat financial crimes and ensure greater accountability across its operations.

The EFCC has also upgraded its Security Unit to a full-fledged Department to fortify the agency’s security architecture. A seasoned officer has been appointed as the Director of Security and Chief Security Officer. Additionally, a new department has been created in the Executive Chairman’s office, headed by the former Makurdi Zonal Commander, Friday Ebelo, who will also serve as Director and Coordinator of Special Duties at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters.

Further changes include the renaming of the former Department of Internal Affairs to the Department of Ethics and Integrity, along with minor reshuffling in some departments at the agency’s headquarters.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized that the ongoing restructuring is intended to reposition and strengthen the EFCC to better fulfill its mandate of fighting corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.