EFCC, NJI in Stronger Collaboration in Fight Against Corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC  and the National Judicial Institute, NJI, have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. 

This resolve was made in Abuja on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 when the Administrator of the NJI, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo led his management staff on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters. 

Speaking during the visit, Justice Adejumo commended the EFCC for its pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and promoting accountability.  He explained that his decision to personally visit the Commission was borne out of the significance of its work to national survival and progress. 

“No nation can survive without a Commission like the EFCC. The recklessness and wickedness of some individuals have held the country back from making progress.  Funds meant for development and the improvement of the lives of citizens are stolen by a few, leaving the majority in poverty. With the coming of Ola Olukoyede to head the EFCC, I have observed how the Commission has been fairing positively, and I encourage him and his team to continue to do good,” he said. 

The NJI boss stressed the importance of integrity, both within the judiciary and the public service, noting that cooperation with the EFCC would help entrench accountability.

“I want further cooperation with the EFCC because this is one aspect that will make Nigeria progressive.  The fear of the EFCC is the beginning of wisdom.  At the NJI, we will do everything possible to ensure that we avoid wrongdoing that will make us your customers.  If anyone is involved in illegality,   I will not shield them; instead, I will hand them over to the EFCC.  Judges play a critical role in the success of the EFCC because investigations and prosecutions only have meaning when validated by judicial pronouncements.  For the EFCC to succeed, it must partner with the NJI, as we are responsible for educating judges on the law and its operations,” he said. 

Responding, the EFCC Chairman congratulated Justice Adejumo on his recent appointment and commended his resolve to strengthen institutional integrity.  He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the judiciary, noting that their support was indispensable in the pursuit of justice. 

“We have had a long history with the NJI spanning about seven years, and we will continue to build on this collaboration.  Like you rightly said, we need the judiciary to succeed in our mandate. The support of the judiciary will not be taken for granted.  As an agency, we do our job diligently and professionally, presenting our cases before the courts, and we trust that the judiciary will always do the right thing. Your admonition is well received, and we will use it to guide our processes going forward,” he said.