Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over N500 billion and secured more than 7,000 convictions in the past two years under the Tinubu administration.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Annual Capacity-Building Workshop for Judges and Justices in Abuja on Monday, Shettima hailed the anti-graft agency’s efforts, attributing its improved performance to the federal government’s policy of non-interference.
The workshop, jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), focused on strengthening the judiciary’s role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
“This enabling environment is evident in the impact made in the last two years. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets in excess of N500 billion, ” he said.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Shettima stressed that recovered proceeds of corruption are being redirected to fund critical national programs.
“These recovered assets are being reinvested into the economy to support social initiatives like the student loan scheme and consumer credit programs,” he said.
The Vice President emphasised that the administration remained committed to public accountability, adding that no political actor is shielded from prosecution under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors based on affiliation.
“We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to operate freely and independently, ” he said.
He acknowledged the judiciary’s pivotal role in the success of anti-corruption efforts and assured that the government would continue to support judges with improved working conditions and remuneration.
“We are working within the framework of the separation of powers to improve the welfare of judicial officers.
”Their salaries have been reviewed, and we are committed to further enhancements,” Shettima said.
Addressing the participants, Vice President Shettima called on judicial officers to approach their duties with a renewed sense of patriotism and responsibility.
“Your Lordships must remember that no one is immune to the consequences of corruption.
“There are no exclusive hospitals, roads, or markets for judges. We all suffer when corruption goes unchecked,” he said.
He urged judges to support the administration’s goal of creating a robust and transparent justice system, insisting that accountability should not be selective.
“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right.
“The judiciary must continue to serve as a pillar of justice and fairness in this fight, ” Shettima
The Vice President urged all arms of government; executive, legislature, and judiciary to work together to consolidate recent gains and build a more transparent Nigeria.
“My Lords, we have a rare opportunity to lay the foundation for an effective anti-corruption framework that will accelerate national development. The time to act is now, ” he said.
