In a recent address at the 5th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) / National Judicial Institute Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the EFCC for its impressive achievements in the battle against economic and financial crimes.
The workshop, themed “Consolidating on the Gains in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes,” highlighted the significant strides made in combating corruption in Nigeria.
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that President Tinubu acknowledged the remarkable roles played by the EFCC in achieving these gains, citing records that show convictions and asset recoveries running into billions of Naira.
He also emphasized the improvements in policy and legal frameworks aimed at combating corruption, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Plan and new legislations targeting money laundering, illicit financial flow, and terrorism financing.
The Menace of Corruption
President Tinubu pointed out the devastating effects of corruption on the nation’s growth and development.
He stressed the urgent need for multi-sectoral and multifaceted approaches to tackle this issue.
Synergy and inter-agency collaboration were highlighted as potent weapons in the fight against corruption.
“Corruption and related financial crimes have become a menace in our national life and have in consequence attracted a poor perception index rating for Nigeria globally.”
“It requires concerted collaborative efforts to effectively combat it,” President Tinubu said.
The Role of the Judiciary
While commending the efforts of the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in sustaining the anti-graft war, President Tinubu called on judicial officers to be more passionate and courageous in carrying out their assignments to rid the nation of corrupt practices.
He emphasized that competent and courageous judges who are passionate about their country are essential for progress in fighting corruption.
A Call to Action
President Tinubu made it clear that his administration is determined to ensure that the gains made in the fight against corruption are not reversed.
He called for proper inter-agency synergy and collaboration while promising the provision of adequate resources to achieve this objective.
He expressed commitment to improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system and creating an enabling working environment to address rising backlogs and congestion in correctional centers.
A Message from the Chief Justice
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, echoed the call for proactive measures in resolving cases of corruption.
He emphasized the importance of dispensing justice without allowing legal technicalities to obstruct the right adjudication of cases.
EFCC’s Determination
Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the EFCC with the NJI in fighting corruption and economic and financial crimes.
He acknowledged the challenges but highlighted the agency’s dynamism and pro-activeness in staying ahead of criminals and developing strategies to combat them.
Mr. Chukkol expressed confidence that the workshop would yield implementable solutions to guide the EFCC in executing its new agenda in the fight against corruption and economic crimes.
What You Should Know
In a nation plagued by corruption, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commendation of the EFCC’s achievements and call for continued collaborative efforts serve as a ray of hope.
The workshop’s theme, “Consolidating on the Gains in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes,” emphasizes the importance of building on the progress made.
With a committed administration, passionate judges, and an empowered EFCC, Nigeria is poised to reduce corruption to the barest minimum and improve the efficiency of its justice system.
