DAKAR (TrustLaw) – The head of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has promised to take steps to fight alleged corruption among staff at the organisation, the Nigerian Tribune reported on Thursday.
Ibrahim Lamorde said he plans to institute the use of lie detectors to screen employees in response to a growing perception among Nigerians that some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are corrupt.
The EFCC, a law enforcement agency with powers of arrest, is tasked with investigating such crimes as fraud, money laundering and corruption.
The fact that three EFCC officials are currently in detention over allegations of corruption means that there is an element of truth in the criticisms from the public, Lamorde said.
“I have decided to introduce lie detectors which will subject our staff to thorough screening,” Lamorde said at a senate hearing to confirm his appointment at the helm of the EFCC.
“I assure the Nigerian people that there will be great improvement on the image of the commission and would not disappoint anyone,” he added.
The agency was set up by Nigerian authorities partly in response to international pressure to tackle endemic graft. But human rights groups and diplomats have criticised it for failing to bring any senior politicians to justice, despite a string of high profile arrests.
Lamorde who was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan last November in a move that some analysts said was intended to revitalise the a waning anti-corruption campaign.
“I am aware of the expectations of Nigerians and the international community. I have a clear idea of what to do and I don’t think I’ll be overwhelmed by the challenges of the office,” Lamorde said.
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