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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the significant progress recorded in the recovery of proceeds of corruption and financial crimes, the prosecution of offenders, and the strengthening of internal accountability within the Commission.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said the EFCC’s reported recovery of approximately ₦1.23 trillion and $684.48 million between October 2023 and June 2026, alongside forfeiture orders covering more than 10,000 assets, represents a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to combat corruption and recover public and criminal assets.
The recoveries include 1,177 properties, 251 plots of land, 370 vehicles and other assets, including the 753-unit housing estate in Abuja.
Suraju said the significance of the recoveries goes beyond the volume of funds and assets recovered, noting that they have the potential to contribute directly to public welfare, strengthen accountability and restore citizens’ confidence in the fight against corruption.
“The reported allocation of additional ₦50 billion to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and another ₦50 billion to the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDITCORP) demonstrates how recovered resources can be redirected towards programmes with direct benefits to citizens,” he said.
HEDA also described the transfer of the recovered 753-unit Abuja housing estate to the Federal Ministry of Housing as an opportunity to convert a recovered public asset into social and economic value, while demonstrating that proceeds of financial crimes can be recovered and put to productive use.
The civil society group also welcomed the EFCC’s recent measures to strengthen accountability within its own ranks, with more than 40 personnel of the Commission dismissed for corruption and financial malpractice, while more than five of the affected personnel are being prosecuted.
HEDA described the action as an important component of credible anti-corruption enforcement. According to the organisation, an institution charged with investigating and prosecuting corruption must be prepared to subject its personnel to the same standards of accountability it demands from members of the public.
The civil society group called for sustained collaboration among the EFCC, civil society organisations, the media, oversight institutions and citizens to strengthen the fight against corruption.
It commended the leadership and personnel of the EFCC for the progress recorded in financial crime enforcement and urged the anti-graft agency to sustain the momentum, deepen institutional reforms, and ensure that recovered funds and assets are transparently managed and ultimately contribute to public accountability, social development and an improved quality of life for Nigerians.
