Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, describing the feat as a major boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.
Speaking on Monday at a high-level judicial workshop in Abuja, jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute, Shettima said the achievement was made possible through President Tinubu’s policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-graft agencies.
“We’ve empowered anti-graft agencies with the independence they need. That’s why the EFCC has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered more than ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.
He explained that the administration’s hands-off approach has enabled investigators and prosecutors to act without fear or political influence — a shift from past practices that often weakened corruption cases.
The Vice President added that recovered funds are being channelled into key national initiatives, including the Students’ Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Initiative, aimed at improving access to education and affordable loans.
“We’re using recovered assets to empower ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Shettima also highlighted recent improvements in the welfare and remuneration of judicial officers, promising further reforms to strengthen the justice system.
He urged judges and other judicial officers to maintain integrity, warning that corruption weakens institutions and ultimately harms all citizens.
“There are no special hospitals or roads for judges. When corruption destroys the system, we all suffer,” he said.
Shettima called for stronger synergy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
