FG to merge EFCC and ICPC

Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the merger of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to form one anti-corruption agency.

It also approved the scrapping of Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE; National Poverty Eradication Programme, NAPEP; National Economic Intelligence Committee; Fiscal Responsibility Commission; Utilities Charges Commission and National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC.

The council took the decision at its meeting last Wednesday, while considering the White Paper prepared by the Stephen Oronsanye-led Committee on the restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

A presidency source said FEC had been reviewing the report and took a decision on it on June 26.

The source explained that government had directed that a Sunset Clause should be introduced to BPE to conclude its assignment and wind down.

Government has, therefore, directed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to initiate the necessary action in respect of the proposed merger.