EFCC, NJI forge stronger alliance to tackle corruption

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have pledged deeper collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.

The renewed resolve was sealed in Abuja on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when the Administrator of the NJI, Justice B.A. Adejumo, led senior management staff on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters.

Justice Adejumo lauded the EFCC for its pivotal role in safeguarding national resources, stressing that no country can survive without a strong anti-graft body.

He condemned the “recklessness and wickedness” of corrupt individuals who, he said, have stolen funds meant for development, leaving millions of Nigerians in poverty.

According to him, “The fear of the EFCC is the beginning of wisdom,” vowing to ensure that judges and judicial officers uphold integrity and accountability.

He emphasised that the NJI would not shield any erring officer but hand them over to the EFCC when implicated in corruption.

He also noted that judges are critical to the EFCC’s success since investigations and prosecutions only carry weight when validated by judicial pronouncements.

Responding, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede commended Justice Adejumo’s commitment to institutional integrity, assuring that the Commission would continue to strengthen its long-standing collaboration with the judiciary.

“We need the judiciary to succeed in our mandate. Their support is indispensable, and we will continue to rely on them to pursue justice,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC and NJI have been collaborating for over seven years, with both institutions agreeing to deepen their partnership to entrench accountability and strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption.