President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing corruption head-on, asserting that no Nigerian would be exempt from this fight. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, likened corruption to a cancer depriving Nigeria of the full benefit of its resources.
He underscored the need for collective action to combat the issue, stressing that corruption in Nigeria had reached alarming levels.
Tinubu stated that his administration is focused on tackling corruption by strengthening anti-corruption agencies and reforming the judiciary. He acknowledged the significant progress made by the EFCC in prosecuting corruption cases and the improvements in the justice sector. However, he also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as frivolous applications, intimidation of judges, and conflicting court orders.
“No Nigerian is immune from corruption, a cancer which continues to rob the nation of the full benefits of its God-given resources,” Tinubu said. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing corruption, rather than relying solely on anti-corruption agencies. “We must resolve the obstacles slowing the swift adjudication of corruption cases, including frivolous appeals, intimidation of judges by counsel, and rulings based on technicalities rather than the facts.”
The President pledged continued support for the EFCC, ensuring the agency can fulfill its mandate without obstruction.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, pointed out additional issues hampering anti-corruption efforts, such as frequent case adjournments, unwarranted injunctions, and the misuse of the courts to evade investigation. Despite these challenges, he said the EFCC remains determined, collaborating with both local and global stakeholders to fight corruption.
He also announced the creation of the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) initiative to prevent corruption, stating: “Prevention is ultimately more effective than investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.”
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, called for a unified information-sharing framework among institutions to bolster anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing that no single entity can oversee the entire financial system on its own.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of strong legal frameworks, effective law enforcement, and international cooperation in the fight against financial crimes. He called for a renewed commitment to justice, integrity, and national well-being.
 – National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, likened corruption to a cancer depriving Nigeria of the full benefit of its resources.){kind=link}