On Wednesday, 6th March 2024, the Hon Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, HE Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and his top Directors, received in audience, Dr I.B Gashinbaki, the Pioneer President and Chairman of Council of Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), Prof SAS Aruwa 2nd Vice President, Dr. Isa Egah Salifu, Registrar/CEO, the Provost Nigerian College of Forensic and Fraud Investigators (NICFFI) Dr. Suleiman M. Barnabas and Salamatu Oniyangi Director Membership and Professional Engagement. This was when the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, at the ministry's Headquarters in Abuja.
Highlights of the visit, include the Pioneer President's opening remarks commending the Hon Minister and his team for the giant strides they are making. Speaking further, he expressed the resolute readiness of the Institute to collaborate and work closely with the Ministry. He noted that the Establishment Act of the Institute empowers it to establish forensic laboratories to assist in providing laboratory analysis for use by government agencies, private organizations, and individuals. This is meant to strengthen the Nigerian criminal justice system. Closing his remarks, he expressed the desire of the Institute to be considered for participation in International Development Programs, starting with ITEC. He equally requested for the ministry's intervention for early roll out of the Laboratories, five (5) of which have been approved by the Council.
Responding, the Hon. Minister acknowledged that the Institute could deploy its expertise strategically to help check the unfair trade practices and competition, including dumping by some countries against Nigeria. The Hon. Minister commended the delegation, expressing his confidence in the Institute and promising to support it in carrying out its mandate fully.