FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – The Imo State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant Federal Government agencies in the fight against money laundering and other forms of financial crimes.
The Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, stated this in Owerri while receiving a delegation of the EFCC undertaking the 2026 Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Risk Assessment Field Exercise on Money Laundering in the state.
Iwu, who received the delegation on behalf of the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the Cabinet Office, Owerri, said the State Government recognised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening the systems and institutions responsible for protecting public resources and ensuring financial accountability.
He commended the EFCC for its continued efforts to curb financial crimes and noted that the NPO risk assessment exercise was particularly relevant in preventing the abuse of charitable and non-profit organisations for money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The SSG said the State Government would continue to provide the necessary cooperation to Federal Government agencies operating in the state, stressing that effective governance required strong institutions, transparency and accountability.
He also highlighted measures undertaken by the Uzodimma administration to strengthen financial management and block leakages in the state’s public finance system, including reforms to the payroll process.
According to him, the administration, upon assumption of office in 2020, identified significant irregularities associated with the preparation of workers’ salary vouchers, which he said resulted in substantial monthly losses to the State Government. He added that the identified loopholes had since been addressed.
The EFCC delegation, led by Mrs. Korede Abdul-Aziz, is in Imo State as part of the 2026 NPO Risk Assessment Field Exercise aimed at identifying vulnerabilities within the non-profit sector and strengthening measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
The engagement further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between Federal and State institutions in promoting financial integrity, strengthening regulatory compliance and safeguarding the nation’s resources.
The Imo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that advance accountability, good governance and the effective implementation of Federal Government policies and programmes in the state.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
7/9/2026
