In what many are calling a major win in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered more than ₦500 billion worth of assets since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into power.
The VP made this known on Monday while speaking at a high-level judicial workshop in Abuja, attended by top judges and justices across the country.
The event, jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute, focused on strengthening the judiciary’s role in tackling financial crimes.
According to Shettima, what’s driving these results is the administration’s clear stance: zero interference in the operations of agencies like the EFCC.
“We’ve empowered anti-graft agencies with the independence they need,” Shettima said. “That’s why the EFCC has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered more than ₦500bn.”
Insiders say this approach has given investigators and prosecutors breathing room to go after cases without fear or favour. Unlike in the past, where political interests sometimes slowed down investigations, this government insists there are no sacred cows.
Shettima revealed that funds seized from corrupt individuals and organisations are being reinvested into critical development programmes, including the new Students’ Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Initiative – two policies aimed at giving Nigerians access to affordable education and soft loans.
“We’re using the recovered assets to empower ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that judges’ salaries and welfare packages have improved under Tinubu’s government, with more support on the way.
He urged judicial officers to lead by example, stressing that corruption affects all Nigerians, regardless of position.
“There are no special roads or hospitals for judges. When corruption destroys the system, we all suffer the consequences,” he warned.
He called for stronger collaboration between the executive, judiciary, and legislature to ensure no one escapes accountability.
