INTERPOL’S COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS VERY CRITICAL- NSA

``Corruption is no respecter of national borders. Therefore, countries need to collaborate to effectively tackle the vice".

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki says INTERPOL’s collaborative efforts are very critical in the location and apprehension of fugitives in connection with corruption globally.

He spoke at the 6th INTERPOL Programme on Anti-Corruption, Financial Crimes and Asset Recovery on Monday in Abuja.

Dasuki, who was represented by retired Col. Bello Fadile, then commended the agency for collaborating with other anti-graft agencies in Africa in the fight against corruption.

``Corruption is no respecter of national borders. Therefore, countries need to collaborate to effectively tackle the vice.

``The world is challenged, more than ever before, by all kinds crimes and such collaborative effort is key to effectively tackling them across the globe

``The INTERPOL programme provides the needed platform for galvanising collaborative international responses against corruption,'' he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INTERPOL, or the International Criminal Police Organisation, is an inter-governmental organisation facilitating international police co-operation.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Sen. Victor Lar, said the National Assembly was committed to allocating adequate funds to the country’s anti-graft agencies.

Lar also called for the establishment of an asset management agency to effectively manage asset recovered from corrupt individuals.

``You will discover that there is an element of unprofessionalism in the manner recovered assets are managed.

``Such an agency, if established, will manage the assets effectively and save money for government. It will also sell such assets at the current market rate,’’ he said.

The Minister of Justice, Mr Bello Adoke, said the EFCC was obviously challenged by paucity of funds which at certain times frustrated its operation.

Adoke called on international donor agencies to increase their financial support to the agency, pledging the full support of the ministry to the fight against corruption.

NAN reports that the programme, which was expected to be attended by participants from close to 30 countries, began on Monday will end on Friday, Oct. 11