President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for steering the agency to record-breaking successes in asset recovery and convictions since assuming office.
The President gave the commendation during the opening ceremony of the 7th EFCC–NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held on Monday at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. The workshop’s theme was “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes.” Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event.
Tinubu noted that his administration’s reforms to empower anti-corruption agencies have yielded impressive results, with the EFCC securing over 7,000 convictions and recovering more than ₦500 billion within two years. He said the recovered funds are being redirected to finance social intervention programmes such as the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit initiatives.
Calling for a stronger judiciary role in the anti-graft battle, Tinubu emphasized that transparency, accountability, and swift justice are key to defeating corruption. “A corruption-free Nigeria is possible if we all commit to doing what is right,” he stated.
In his address, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede lamented the prolonged court processes that stall corruption trials, particularly those involving politically exposed persons. He described such delays as a major obstacle to justice and urged the judiciary to help accelerate proceedings to restore public confidence.
Read Also: Protesters Storm PSC, Demands Probe Of Bribery Allegation Against AIG Aina, Asabe Waziri
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the EFCC–NJI collaboration, stressing that the judiciary must remain firm, fair, and adaptive to modern financial systems. She warned that economic crimes not only drain public resources but also widen inequality and hinder development.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), added that for the anti-corruption crusade to succeed, justice must be both swift and certain. He called for stronger synergy between investigators, prosecutors, and judges to strengthen the rule of law.
The event also featured goodwill messages from Senate President Godswill Akpabio (represented by Senator Munguno), Senator Udende Emmanuel, and Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, among others.