… Hails agency’s performance, urges stronger legislative backing
BY CAROLINE AMEH
ABUJA — The Senate on Tuesday commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for achieving an unprecedented 4,111 convictions in 2024, describing the feat as the highest annual record in the Commission’s history and a major milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
The commendation followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North-East), titled “Urgent Need to Commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for Its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024, Despite the Challenges It Has Encountered.”
Presenting the motion, Udende lauded the EFCC as a “frontline agency” committed to combating economic and financial crimes despite daunting operational challenges.
He said the Commission investigated 12,000 petitions, filed 5,081 cases, and secured 4,111 convictions out of 15,724 petitions received in 2024, the best performance since its inception.
He noted that the agency also recorded significant recoveries, including ₦9.4 billion, $2.6 million, £1,600, and several digital currencies worth over $580,000, alongside 173 vehicles, 378 electronic gadgets, one hotel, 14 landed properties, 784 estates, and large quantities of petroleum products.
Senator Nwaebonyi Onyeka (Ebonyi East), who seconded the motion, praised the EFCC’s tenacity in recovering the nation’s stolen wealth and called for continuous legislative support to strengthen its operations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while commending the EFCC’s leadership and staff for their integrity and professionalism, attributed the agency’s renewed success to “effective leadership and institutional reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
Akpabio urged the EFCC to publish records of both genuine convictions and politically motivated petitions to further deepen public trust in its operations.
“The transparency of outcomes will sustain public confidence and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign,” Akpabio said.
The Senate unanimously resolved to commend the EFCC for its professionalism, integrity, and patriotism, and to mandate relevant committees to ensure continuous oversight and legislative support for the Commission and other anti-graft institutions.
Lawmakers noted that the agency’s performance has significantly boosted Nigeria’s global image and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutions that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
