Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered assets exceeding ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 7th edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, Shettima attributed the achievement to the administration’s commitment to transparency and non-interference in the affairs of anti-graft agencies.
“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening anti-corruption agencies and granting them the independence to carry out their statutory responsibilities,” Shettima said, representing President Tinubu at the event.
He further noted that the EFCC had secured over 7,000 convictions in the same period, underscoring the intensified anti-corruption drive under the current government.
“This enabling environment is evident in the impact made so far. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets in excess of ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.
According to him, funds recovered by the EFCC are being reinvested into the Nigerian economy, especially in key social intervention programs.
“The proceeds of crime are being redirected into developmental efforts such as the student loan scheme and the consumer credit initiative,” he added.
Shettima also highlighted efforts to improve the judiciary’s working conditions, assuring stakeholders that the government remains committed to supporting the justice sector.
“We are working within the constitutional framework to enhance the welfare of judicial officers. Remuneration has improved, and we are committed to further upgrades in their facilities,” he said.
Reiterating President Tinubu’s dedication to the rule of law, Shettima dismissed any notion of political bias in the government’s anti-corruption fight.
“No individual or group can credibly claim that this administration shields political allies from prosecution. Both the judiciary and anti-graft agencies have been allowed to operate independently,” the Vice President declared.
He urged judicial officers to remain steadfast in their roles, reminding them that the consequences of corruption affect every Nigerian, regardless of status.
“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune to its effects—there are no separate hospitals, roads, or schools for the judiciary. We all suffer the consequences,” Shettima emphasized.
Calling for a united front in combating corruption, the Vice President concluded: “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right and ensuring that those who breach public trust are held accountable.”
