Elevating the EFCC to World-Class Standards: An Urgent Appeal to the Speaker and Senate President for Legislative and Financial Backing -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stands as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption. Its determined efforts have resulted in the recovery of billions of naira in stolen public funds, the seizure of illicitly acquired properties, and the prosecution of high-profile offenders. These successes not only underscore the EFCC’s indispensable role in governance but also contribute significantly to national development and the restoration of public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework. However, the sustainability and amplification of these successes depend on decisive legislative and financial interventions.

As the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, your leadership is essential in securing the resources, structural reforms, and institutional support required to elevate the EFCC. This agency is unlike any other. Unlike the Nigeria Police Force, which is gradually being streamlined into a federal entity with its focus on protecting federal institutions, especially with the impending establishment of state police forces across the nation, the EFCC remains a national institution with a broader mandate. It operates across every state and region, targeting financial crimes, corruption, and fraudulent activities that often transcend jurisdictional boundaries. This national scope requires not only a larger workforce but also advanced infrastructure, innovative tools, and far-reaching operational strategies to ensure it continues to combat corruption effectively and efficiently.

The EFCC operates in an environment defined by high stakes and significant risks. Its personnel face unique challenges, including psychological pressures, threats to their safety, and ethical dilemmas in handling cases involving billions of naira, luxury properties, and powerful individuals. These men and women are directly responsible for confiscating millions and sometimes billions of naira, as well as luxury properties, during the course of their work. This immense responsibility puts them in proximity to vast wealth, and without adequate salaries and welfare, they are at significant psychological risk of succumbing to temptation. Poor salaries in such an environment create a dangerous imbalance, as officers may become vulnerable to bribery, manipulation, or immoral practices. To prevent this, it is essential that EFCC officers are paid exceptionally well, with salaries that reflect the scale of their responsibilities and the risks they face.

In addition to competitive salaries, the EFCC must offer robust welfare packages to ensure that its personnel are motivated, insulated from corruption, and fully focused on their critical tasks. Officers managing high-stakes investigations and handling large recoveries must have the assurance that their personal welfare and that of their families are secure. This includes performance-based bonuses for exceptional recoveries or successful prosecutions, hardship allowances for officers assigned to high-risk cases, and secure housing estates that protect their families from potential retaliation by suspects or criminals.

The EFCC’s infrastructure must also reflect the magnitude of its operations and adapt to Nigeria’s challenging environments. Given the tough terrains, poor road networks, and extensive waterways across the country, the EFCC requires specialized and durable transportation solutions to support its mission effectively. The agency needs strong, rugged vehicles capable of navigating rough and remote areas to ensure seamless operations. These should include armored transport vehicles for safely moving confiscated cash and high-value items, as well as off-road vehicles designed for difficult-to-access locations. High-speed motorcycles should also be made available to enhance mobility in congested urban areas or regions with limited road infrastructure.

For operations on waterways, which are critical for monitoring illicit financial activities and asset transportation, the EFCC needs fast and reliable speedboats. These boats must be equipped with advanced communication systems and navigation tools to ensure efficient and secure operations in Nigeria’s coastal and riverine areas.

Additionally, the EFCC requires high-speed aircraft, such as lightweight planes and helicopters, to facilitate rapid deployment of personnel and resources across the country. These aircraft would not only improve operational response times but also enhance surveillance capabilities, enabling the agency to track suspects and assets across vast distances effectively.

Beyond transportation, the EFCC must prioritize permanent headquarters and regional offices equipped with modern facilities. These should include advanced forensic laboratories for evidence analysis, secure evidence storage rooms, and IT hubs for data management and intelligence gathering. The management of confiscated assets must also be upgraded. The agency requires high-security warehouses for vehicles and equipment, climate-controlled vaults for storing cash and sensitive documents, and a robust digital asset management system to document, monitor, and track all confiscated items.

By addressing these critical infrastructure and transportation needs, the EFCC will significantly enhance its operational capacity and efficiency, ensuring it can carry out its mandate effectively in Nigeria’s challenging and diverse environments.

Given the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, the EFCC must invest heavily in advanced training programs and capacity-building initiatives. Collaborations with international agencies such as the FBI, INTERPOL, and Scotland Yard will enable EFCC officers to learn best practices in forensic accounting, digital asset recovery, and cybercrime detection. In-house training academies, equipped with state-of-the-art simulation facilities, should be established to prepare officers for real-world scenarios. Regular workshops on mental health and ethical training are also vital to reinforce integrity and build resilience against psychological pressures.

Security for EFCC personnel and their families must remain a top priority. Officers handling sensitive cases often face significant threats from individuals seeking to derail investigations or retaliate against the agency. Round-the-clock security for officers and emergency relocation programs for their families are necessary to ensure their safety and peace of mind. Anonymous reporting systems should also be implemented to allow officers to report threats or harassment without fear of exposure.

The National Assembly must take a proactive role in empowering the EFCC. Legislative reforms are needed to streamline asset forfeiture processes, enhance whistleblower protections, and strengthen the agency’s operational framework. Increased funding is essential for the recruitment of additional personnel, the construction of permanent facilities, and the acquisition of advanced tools and technologies. Public trust in the EFCC must also be bolstered through nationwide awareness campaigns that highlight the agency’s achievements and encourage citizens to support its efforts. Collaborations with community leaders and civil society organizations will further strengthen grassroots support for anti-corruption initiatives.

The EFCC has proven its capacity to combat corruption and recover Nigeria’s stolen wealth. However, its continued success depends on the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting its mission. By treating the EFCC as an elite institution and providing it with the necessary resources, infrastructure, and legislative backing, Nigeria can solidify its position as a nation committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

For Nigeria to earn respect on the global stage, it must address its current ranking as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The nation’s reputation has long been tarnished by systemic corruption that affects every level of governance, from public institutions to private dealings. This must change, and the EFCC stands as the most credible vehicle to drive that transformation. Unlike the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which, despite its over 100 years of existence, remains plagued by allegations of corruption, brutality, and human rights abuses, the EFCC has demonstrated a far greater commitment to ethical conduct and effective action against financial crimes. It is imperative to support and strengthen the EFCC to ensure that its personnel remain ethical, professional, and dedicated to the fight against corruption.

As it stands today, even members of the National Assembly would agree that the EFCC is making remarkable strides in combating corruption. Its major breakthroughs in prosecuting high-profile offenders, recovering stolen funds, and confiscating illicitly acquired properties have become a source of hope for Nigerians who long for accountability and good governance. By expanding the EFCC’s resources and solidifying its role, Nigeria can chart a new course for itself—one that aligns with the principles of good democracy and global standards of transparency.

Empowering the EFCC is not just an investment in an institution—it is an investment in Nigeria’s future. For a “New Nigeria” to emerge, built on the foundations of a thriving democracy, the EFCC must be positioned as a world-class anti-corruption agency. This means increasing salaries to reduce temptations, enhancing ethical training for its officers, and equipping the agency with modern tools and infrastructure to carry out its mandate. A strong and ethical EFCC not only protects the nation’s wealth but also builds trust between the government and its citizens, fostering a democratic system that values fairness and integrity.

The time to act is now. With your leadership, the Speaker and Senate President can transform the EFCC into the bedrock of Nigeria’s fight against corruption and the foundation of a renewed national identity. Strengthening the EFCC is not just about reducing corruption—it is about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting its resources, and restoring its reputation both locally and on the global stage. This is an opportunity to show the world that Nigeria is committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability.

An empowered and ethical EFCC can lead the charge in reshaping Nigeria’s narrative from one of systemic corruption to one of hope, progress, and good governance. The time has come to take bold and decisive action to ensure that the EFCC is equipped to meet the challenges of the future, support a thriving democracy, and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the international community. Let this be the moment where your leadership paves the way for a “New Nigeria” that upholds justice, respects human rights, and achieves greatness through ethical and effective governance.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian-American psychologist, educator, and author renowned for his expertise in cross-cultural psychology, forensic/clinical psychology, police/prison science and social justice. He is the son of a father who served in the Nigeria Police Force for 37 years. Professor Oshodi has held teaching appointments at several institutions, including Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Broward College, Nexus International University, and Nova Southeastern University. He played a key role in introducing state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria in 2011 through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology.

Professor Oshodi is a government consultant for forensic-clinical psychological services for both adults and children in the USA. He currently practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist. He holds virtual faculty roles at Walden University, Weldios University, and ISCOM University.

He has authored academic publications, including books, and written hundreds of public opinion pieces on African issues. His expertise lies in psycho-prescriptive writings on African institutional and governance challenges. Professor Oshodi is also the founder of the Psychoafricalysis theory in psychology, a pioneering contribution to the field. He is a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA). His work continues to inspire scholars, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide.