The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established to serve as Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency, a symbol of hope in the fight against financial crimes and public sector corruption. However, in recent years, the EFCC has increasingly fallen short of its mandate.
Rather than being a beacon of justice and accountability, the commission has become synonymous with selective prosecution, internal corruption, and institutional failure—leaving many Nigerians disillusioned and betrayed.
One of the most glaring issues facing the EFCC is the politicization of its operations. Successive governments have wielded the commission as a tool to pursue political opponents while turning a blind eye to the corrupt practices of allies and loyalists. This selective application of justice has significantly damaged the agency’s credibility. In a country where justice is expected to be blind, the EFCC’s actions have exposed a biased and compromised institution.
Even more troubling is the corruption festering within the commission itself. There have been credible reports and allegations involving EFCC officials engaging in acts of bribery, extortion, and mismanagement of recovered assets. Properties seized during investigations have allegedly been resold in shady deals to insiders at undervalued prices. In some cases, recovered funds have mysteriously vanished, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the agency.
These internal failings not only undermine the EFCC’s mission but also send a dangerous message to the public: that even those charged with fighting corruption are not above it. This perception erodes public trust, weakens democratic institutions, and emboldens criminal elements who believe they can act with impunity.
If Nigeria is truly committed to eradicating corruption, the reform of the EFCC must be non-negotiable. There is an urgent need for structural independence, institutional transparency, and strict internal oversight. Leadership within the commission must be held to the highest ethical standards, and those found guilty of misconduct must be prosecuted without fear or favor.
The EFCC was born out of Nigerians’ collective desire for a cleaner, fairer, and more accountable society. Its failure, therefore, is not just institutional—it is deeply personal to every citizen who hoped for a better Nigeria. Until decisive action is taken to reform the commission and restore its credibility, the fight against corruption will remain a lost battle.
By: Godwin Offor
