Tinubu hails EFCC, says anti-graft agency has justified confidence as it secures 10,872 convictions

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its performance in the fight against corruption, saying the agency has lived up to the confidence reposed in it through its achievements in investigations, convictions and asset recovery.

The President gave the commendation on Friday during the commissioning of the new EFCC Zonal Directorate in Awka, Anambra State. He was represented at the event by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

Tinubu said the Commission has continued to record measurable successes in tackling economic and financial crimes, describing its achievements as clear evidence of its commitment to accountability and transparency.

According to the President, “Supporting the EFCC is not particularly difficult. The agency has consistently demonstrated that the confidence reposed on it is well founded. Without mincing words, the evidential proof of the EFCC’s success speaks loudly in convictions secured, assets and properties recovered.”

He noted that the Commission’s work aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, especially in the areas of economic reform and good governance.

Tinubu said, “When we came in three years ago, I highlighted nine major focal areas of my administration. Two of which are reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth and promotion of good governance. The anti-graft agency compliments this agenda as they are focused on accountability and transparency and appropriate deployment of resources.”

Speaking at the event, EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the Commission would continue to strengthen corruption prevention by closing loopholes that encourage financial crimes.

He said the newly commissioned directorate would not only enforce the law but also deepen public awareness and partnerships across government institutions, businesses, schools, markets, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and religious bodies.

According to Olukoyede, “This new Directorate will not only enforce the law professionally and courageously, it will be high on corruption prevention. It will engage government institutions, businesses, financial institutions, professional bodies, schools, markets, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and communities. It will educate stakeholders, build relationships and mobilise the people to own the fight against all forms of corrupt practices in the zone.”

The EFCC chairman also highlighted the Commission’s achievements over the past 34 months, describing the results as evidence of institutional reforms and improved operational efficiency.

He disclosed that between October 2023 and July 2026, the EFCC received 49,673 petitions, investigated 39,615 cases, filed 14,476 cases in court and secured 10,872 convictions, representing a 75.1 per cent conviction-to-filing ratio. He added that the Commission also recovered over ₦1.23 trillion, 684.48 million US dollars, £373,905.78 and €9.34 million, alongside other foreign currencies.

Olukoyede said reforms introduced by the Commission include new arrest and bail guidelines, a review of sting operations, and the creation of specialised departments such as the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, the Security Department, the Immigration and Visa Section, and the Cybercrime Rapid Response Centre.

The commissioning of the Awka Zonal Directorate is expected to strengthen the EFCC’s operations in the South-East, improve coordination in the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, and expand public engagement in the fight against corruption.

The EFCC said it remains Nigeria’s leading anti-graft agency, established to investigate, prevent and prosecute economic and financial crimes while promoting transparency and accountability in public and private institutions.