The Senate, on Tuesday, commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its exceptional performance in 2024, describing the agency’s achievements as a major milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
The motion, titled ‘Commendation of the EFCC for 2024 achievements,’ was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North-East).
Presenting the motion, Udende said the EFCC, Nigeria’s frontline anti-graft agency, in 2024 received 15,724 petitions, opened 12,928 case files, filed 5,081 cases in court, and secured 4,111 convictions — the highest in a single operational year since the commission’s establishment.
He noted that the convictions led to the recovery and forfeiture of assets and funds across multiple currencies, including: ₦364,597,370,151.35 (Naira), $214,513,439.55 (US Dollars), £54,318.64 (Pounds Sterling), €31,265.00 (Euro), $2,950.08 (Canadian Dollars), $7,821,375.00 (Australian Dollars), ₣470.00 (CFA), AED 5,115.00 (UAE Dirhams), Riyals 73,000.00, ¥225.00 (Yen), ₵50.00 (Ghana Cedi), and 50 ZAR (South African Rand).
Udende further disclosed that the commission also recovered and forfeited 173 automobiles, 78 electronic items, 14 landed properties, 784 estates, one hotel, and two gold chains, alongside digital assets such as 13.37 Bitcoin (BTC), 97.68 Ethereum (ETH), and over ₦2.6 million in Tether (USDT).
“The EFCC has demonstrated courage, patriotism, and efficiency in discharging its mandate, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s financial framework,” Udende said.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Onyeka Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) described the commission’s performance as “a revolution in anti-corruption enforcement,” noting that over ₦500 billion had been recovered in the past two years and more than 7,000 convictions secured since inception.
“It is time to set the record straight and commend the EFCC for the beautiful job being done. Mr. President deserves credit for appointing the right people for the right jobs, which has produced the right results,” Nwebonyi said.
Other lawmakers, including senators Salim Mustafa (Kwara Central), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and Aliyu Ekra (Central), also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and reform-driven approach to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
Mustafa, however, raised concerns about the EFCC’s retention of 2–3 per cent of recovered funds, stressing the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions requiring presidential and legislative approval for any expenditure.
Responding, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, clarified that the law mandates the President — not the EFCC — to seek Senate approval before spending from recovered funds.
“For every one conviction, there are at least ten deterrents. The EFCC’s role is not just prosecution but prevention. We must recognise their achievements while strengthening oversight,” Akpabio said.
The session ended on a somber note as lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the Minority Leader’s two children, who reportedly died in separate incidents within 48 hours. The Senate extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.