Senate has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as a landmark performance in tackling corruption and financial crimes across the country, particularly in 2024.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers adopted a motion tabled by Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC–Benue), who highlighted the Commission’s achievements, including the receipt of 15,724 petitions, initiation of 12,928 case files, prosecution of 5,008 cases, and 4,111 convictions — the highest ever in a single year since the EFCC was established in 2003.
Udende also noted that the Commission recovered substantial sums in both local and foreign currencies, alongside the forfeiture of various assets.
According to him, these milestones not only reinforced Nigeria’s internal anti-corruption architecture but also improved the country’s international standing.
“Despite limited manpower, financial constraints, and the increasingly sophisticated nature of economic crimes, the EFCC has remained steadfast in executing its mandate,” he said.
“Its work continues to restore public faith in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and elevate our global image.”
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi), who seconded the motion, echoed Udende’s sentiments, stating that the agency, under its current leadership, has shown unprecedented results.
“For the first time, we are seeing the EFCC deliver without resorting to media sensationalism. Over ₦500 billion was recovered in 2024 alone. That speaks volumes,” Nwebonyi said.
He also credited President Bola Tinubu for appointing “the right people” to helm the Commission, describing the agency’s recent progress as nothing short of transformational.
However, not all senators were without concern. Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC–Kwara) raised a critical point regarding the Commission’s statutory retention of a portion of recovered funds.
“While the law permits the EFCC to retain a percentage of recoveries, has the Senate ever been officially notified or given consent to this arrangement? We must strengthen our oversight role to ensure transparency,” Mustapha queried.
Responding to the concern, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the legal requirement mandates the President, not the EFCC, to seek Senate approval for such financial arrangements. He directed the relevant Senate committees to investigate whether such approvals had been properly sought and granted.
Akpabio emphasized the broader impact of the EFCC’s work, noting: “Each conviction by the EFCC potentially deters at least 20 other crimes. Their mandate goes beyond prosecution — it’s about prevention and accountability.”
He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to support the Commission, urging the EFCC to continue operating with transparency and integrity.
In a further show of support, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC–Ekiti) moved an additional motion to formally commend President Tinubu for his support, particularly in the areas of leadership appointments and funding for the EFCC.
“The president deserves commendation for empowering the EFCC with the right tools and leadership. His backing has clearly translated into results — more convictions, more recoveries, and a stronger deterrence framework,” Bamidele said.
In its final resolutions, the Senate lauded the EFCC for its “unrelenting dedication, professionalism, and exceptional results” in combating corruption. Lawmakers also resolved to strengthen legislative oversight and pledged continued support for both the Commission and other anti-corruption agencies.
President Tinubu was further commended for his “strategic commitment” to the anti-corruption war, particularly in ensuring competent leadership and sufficient budgetary allocation to agencies like the EFCC.
