The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Chemical Forensics Laboratory to enhance the precision and efficiency of investigations, particularly in the fight against oil-related crimes such as oil bunkering and adulteration. The launch event took place at the commission’s Zonal Directorate in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, with the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in attendance.
In his remarks, Olukoyede explained that the laboratory was established with the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation and would position the EFCC at the forefront of forensic analysis in tackling crimes within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“The state-of-the-art chemical laboratory was established and equipped with the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation, and it will position the EFCC at the forefront of forensic analysis in the fight against oil-related crimes,” Olukoyede stated during the unveiling of the laboratory.
He went on to highlight that the laboratory would expedite oil and gas investigations, particularly strengthening the EFCC’s Extractive Industry Fraud Section. “The laboratory will enhance and fast-track our oil and gas investigations and strengthen the commission’s extractive industry fraud section,” he said.
Olukoyede revealed that the laboratory, which took two years to build, would allow the EFCC to independently conduct comprehensive analyses of petroleum products and crude oil samples for use in investigations and prosecutions. He described the project as a significant milestone in the EFCC’s mission to promote transparency and accountability within the oil and gas sector.
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“We celebrate a significant milestone in the commission’s journey towards advancing transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector,” Olukoyede said.
Before the establishment of the laboratory, the EFCC had been relying on external agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for the analysis of oil products and crude samples, which often led to delays in critical investigations.
Olukoyede expressed his gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for funding the project and reinforcing the fight against corruption in Nigeria, as well as to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) for overseeing and guiding the project from inception to completion.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for their unwavering commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions in Nigeria, and to our implementing partners for guiding this project from inception to this important milestone,” Olukoyede said.
In her address, Mary Okpe, Head of Programs at CDD, noted that the support for the project aimed to enhance the EFCC’s technical capabilities and serve as a model of progress for all anti-corruption agencies in the country.
“The facility will empower investigative bodies with essential resources to conduct more accurate, scientific analyses in their cases and foster a culture of evidence-based accountability,” Okpe said.
Olukoyede emphasized that the new facility would enable the EFCC to independently conduct rigorous tests on petroleum products, eliminating the delays previously caused by reliance on external agencies.
The EFCC Chairman also referred to the laboratory as a significant achievement not only for the commission but also for the nation, saying it would enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle complex economic crimes in the oil sector.
The event culminated with the commissioning and inspection of the facility by Olukoyede, who was accompanied by invited guests, including the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Police, Army, Navy, and the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The Chemical Forensics Laboratory represents a key step forward in the EFCC’s mission to combat corruption and ensure greater accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
