Charge dollar for Nigerian services, get arrested – EFCC says
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says that its effort to stop the dollarization of the Nigerian economy has yielded some arrests in various cities across the country.
Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the EFCC, said that special task forces set up the agency would enforce “ extant laws against currency mutilation and dollarisation of the economy.”
“The task force, inaugurated by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, was raised to protect the economy from abuses, leakages and distortions exposing it to instability and disruption,” he explained.
The EFCC said its effort has yielded arrests of some dollar speculators, hoarders, racketeers and firms issuing invoices in foreign currency in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.
In furtherance to its fight, the agency said it would invite for questioning “proprietors of private universities and other institutions of higher learning charging fees in dollars have been invited by the commission.”
“The commission is committed to the enforcement of all laws in place for the reflation and stimulation of the economy,” it said.
The agency, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, is seeking a stop to dollar payment for services rendered in the country.
The Nigerian currency, naira, has recorded considerable loss against the United States dollar as it currently exchanges for about N1,450. The development comes amid galloping inflation and attendant high cost of living.
