Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion in the two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shettima made the revelation on Monday while declaring open the 7th edition of the EFCC/National Judicial Institute (NJI) capacity-building workshop for judges and justices in Abuja, according to a report by Channels Television.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Shettima said the government’s policy of non-interference in the activities of anti-graft agencies has reinforced their efficiency and credibility.
“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,” he stated.
The Vice President noted that this independence has yielded tangible results, with the EFCC recording over 7,000 convictions and recovering assets exceeding ₦500 billion.
He further revealed that the proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into the economy through key social and economic initiatives, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.
“Recovered proceeds of crime by the EFCC are being brought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programmes, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes,” Shettima explained.
On the welfare of judicial officers, the Vice President said the administration is committed to improving judges’ remuneration and working conditions, in line with the principle of separation of powers.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima stressed that the administration has not shielded any political ally 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.
Shettima urged members of the judiciary to uphold patriotism, fairness, and integrity, warning that corruption affects all citizens equally.
“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 cautioned.
He called for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to achieve a corruption-free Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
