Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion during the first two years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He made the revelation while declaring open 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.
Okay News reports that Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event, said the administration’s commitment to non-interference in the operations of anti-graft agencies has strengthened institutional accountability and public trust.
“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and giving them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates,” Shettima stated.
“This enabling environment is evident in the impact that has been made in the last two years. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets in excess of ₦500 billion.”
The Vice President explained that the recovered assets are being channeled into key development initiatives such as the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.
“Recovered proceeds of crime by the agency (EFCC) are being brought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programs, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes,” he said.
Shettima further revealed that the government was collaborating with the judiciary to improve the welfare of judicial officers, adding that their remuneration had been reviewed upward.
“The remuneration of judges has improved, and we are committed to further enhancement of their welfare and facilities,” he noted.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s stance on transparency and justice, Shettima maintained that the administration does not shield political allies from investigation or prosecution.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of protecting political actors. We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their powers to restore sanity,” he said.
He called on members of the judiciary to perform their duties with patriotism and integrity, stressing that corruption affects every segment of society.
“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not insulated from its consequences. There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges—we all face the same risks from the effects of corruption,” he added.
The Vice President urged collaboration among all arms of government to ensure the anti-corruption fight remains effective and sustainable.
“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right and ensuring that those who deviate from the norm are held accountable,” Shettima concluded.
