EFCC Hires US Firm to Source Funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has hired a consulting firm in the United States (US) to help it secure foreign aid.
The firm, KRL International, was hired on a month-to-month pro bono contract basis, according to records from the Justice Department.
KRL International is expected to help the EFCC source for funds by reaching out to non-governmental organisations in the country, US government officials, private donors, several think tanks and lawmakers.

The firm is believed to have secured the deal based on its relationship with the administration of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
The firm's Managing Director, Riva Levinson, was quoted as saying that Nigerians were concerned about fighting corruption.
“It is something no longer imposed from the outside but is bubbling up from the population. It is an African concern not just a donor concern,” she declared.
Levinson who started her own company last year has worked for several African governments.
Reports say she would want Nigeria's anti-corruption drive replicated in other countries on the continent.

The EFCC headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu received international recognition following its successful arrest and prosecution of alleged corrupt persons in the country.
A creation of the Obasanjo's government, the agency received full support to carry out its mission. EFCC's effort was welcomed by the international community including foreign investors wary of doing business in Nigeria.

The country's battered image received a boost following the results the agency achieved. Nigerians also applauded EFCC.
In a Gallup opinion poll facilitated by former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in February 2007, 66 per cent of Nigerians said they had confidence in the agency.
It has however received bashing from critics who say it was used by Obasanjo to haunt political enemies.