JUST IN: TINUBU REAFFIRMS ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE AS EFCC COMMISSIONS NEW ZONAL OFFICE IN EKITI

TINUBU REAFFIRMS ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE AS EFCC COMMISSIONS NEW ZONAL OFFICE IN EKITI

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, describing corruption as a major obstacle to national development, economic growth, and public trust.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ekiti Zonal Directorate Office Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Speaking at the event, Shettima said strong institutions remain essential to national progress, noting that no country can achieve sustainable development without transparent and accountable public systems.

“The future of any nation depends on the institutions it builds and the confidence citizens place in them. Development is delayed when corruption is allowed to stand between citizens and the promises of the state,” he said.

The Vice President described the newly commissioned facility as a significant investment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption infrastructure and a reflection of the Federal Government’s determination to provide law enforcement agencies with the resources needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He noted that the EFCC was established to protect public trust, safeguard the economy from financial crimes, and promote accountability in governance.

Shettima commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the commission’s management for their efforts in advancing the agency’s mandate, adding that the fight against corruption must remain organized, institutionalized, and supported by modern facilities.

According to him, the new office complex will improve operational efficiency and strengthen the commission’s capacity to tackle economic and financial crimes in the region.

Government Highlights EFCC Achievements

The Vice President also highlighted several achievements recorded by the anti-graft agency in recent years.

He referenced the commission’s efforts against cybercrime, including the dismantling of a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency fraud network in Lagos, which led to the conviction of 192 foreign nationals.

Shettima further stated that the EFCC’s actions against money laundering and other financial crimes have contributed to improving Nigeria’s international reputation and strengthening the country's economic security framework.

He added that recovered assets have supported key government intervention programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Consumer Credit Scheme managed through CreditCorp.

The Vice President assured anti-corruption agencies of continued government support through improved welfare packages, operational independence, training opportunities, and better working conditions.

New Office to Strengthen Operations in Ekiti and Ondo

Speaking at the event, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said the new zonal directorate would improve the commission’s accessibility and effectiveness across Ekiti and Ondo states.

He explained that the office addresses longstanding operational challenges associated with supervising both states from distant EFCC commands, a situation that often created gaps in enforcement activities and service delivery.

Olukoyede described the inauguration as a major step toward bringing anti-corruption efforts closer to local communities.

“The establishment of this directorate strengthens our institutional capacity and enhances our ability to combat corruption and economic crimes in Ekiti and Ondo states,” he said.

The EFCC chairman expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government for providing the land and supporting the project from its conception to completion.

He also thanked President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and Nigerians for their support toward the successful delivery of the facility.

Citizens Urged to Support Anti-Corruption Campaign

Olukoyede urged residents not to view the EFCC’s presence with fear, emphasizing that the commission remains committed to lawful and professional enforcement practices.

He encouraged citizens to collaborate with the agency by providing information that could help combat corruption, cybercrime, fraud, and illegal mining activities.

According to him, the new office complex includes modern workstations, furnished offices, a holding facility for suspects, and welfare facilities designed to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

The EFCC chairman described corruption as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s development, arguing that many of the country’s political, economic, social, and security challenges can be traced to corrupt practices.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency across both public and private sectors.

Oyebanji Welcomes EFCC Presence

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji welcomed the commissioning of the zonal office, describing it as a major boost to the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts.

The governor said the facility would make it easier for residents to report corruption-related cases without travelling long distances to other EFCC offices.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, members of the National Assembly, senior presidential aides, the Chief of Defence Staff, traditional rulers, and other government officials.