I Won’t Tolerate Corruption Under My Watch, Says President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has declared that corruption will not be tolerated under his administration, reaffirming his government's commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions and supporting the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The President made the declaration on Tuesday during the commissioning of the EFCC's newly completed zonal office complex in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the project as a significant investment in Nigeria's anti-corruption drive and a key component of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the facility located along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the President commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the management and staff of the Commission for their dedication to strengthening the country's fight against corruption.
According to Tinubu, they completion of the modern office complex reflects the Commission's resolve to improve its effectiveness and expand its impact in tackling economic and financial crimes.
"The completion of this state-of-the-art facility demonstrates the Commission's determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of Nigerians and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts across the country," the President said.
He emphasized that providing adequate infrastructure and welfare support for law enforcement personnel remains essential to national development, noting that the EFCC occupies a strategic position in Nigeria's economic reform and security framework.
Tinubu highlighted several achievements recorded by the anti-graft agency in recent years, including the dismantling of a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency investment fraud syndicate in Lagos in 2024, which led to the conviction of 192 foreign nationals. He also praised the Commission's efforts against Ponzi schemes and its contribution to Nigeria's successful removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.
The President further applauded the EFCC's asset recovery initiatives, stating that recovered funds had been channelled into key government programmes such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.
He also referenced the successful prosecution of high-profile corruption cases involving a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank, saying the convictions demonstrated the government's determination to hold public officials accountable.
"Such outcomes send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Nigeria," he stated.
Reaffirming his administration's support for anti-corruption agencies, Tinubu pledged continued investment in personnel welfare, training and operational independence.
"My administration will continue to invest in strengthening the anti-corruption agencies through incentives, such as good and conducive working environments, competitive welfare packages, unfettered freedom to operate, adequate training opportunities, among others. Your daily sacrifices in staking your comfort and safety for our wellbeing will not be taken for granted," he said.
The President also called for stronger collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies, urging stakeholders in Ekiti and Ondo states to support the EFCC in carrying out its mandate.
Earlier, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede described the commissioning of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate office as a major milestone in the Commission's institutional growth and operational expansion.
According to him, the new directorate was established to address longstanding operational challenges in covering both Ekiti and Ondo states, while bringing the Commission's services closer to residents.
"The edifice that we are gathered to commission today is the crystallization of a unique vision in institution building and consolidation," Olukoyede said.
He explained that the facility would strengthen the EFCC's capacity to combat economic and financial crimes in the region while encouraging greater engagement with local communities.
Seeking to reassure residents, the EFCC boss stressed that law-abiding citizens had nothing to fear from the agency's presence.
"If you have nothing to hide, you can be rest assured that if the EFCC knocks on your door, it is to ask for your support—you have nothing to fear," he stated.
Olukoyede, however, warned that criminals involved in cybercrime, illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage would find no safe haven within the jurisdiction of the new office.
He reiterated the Commission's resolve to sustain the fight against corruption, describing graft as one of the major obstacles to Nigeria's development and economic progress.
The commissioning of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate marks another step in the EFCC's ongoing expansion strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening anti-corruption enforcement across the country.