President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration does not shield anyone from prosecution or obstruct investigations into criminal activities, regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking at the opening of a joint Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) workshop for judges and justices in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu said Nigeria could become corruption-free if all citizens committed to integrity within their spheres of influence.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president emphasised the judiciary’s central role in upholding justice and maintaining the moral foundation of the nation. He urged judicial officers to remain impartial, steadfast, and incorruptible in their duties.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors because of their affiliation with the government or the ruling party,” Tinubu said. “We have allowed both the judiciary and anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional powers.”
He warned that any society risks collapse when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised, adding that his government is committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers through ongoing remuneration reviews.
Highlighting progress in the anti-corruption fight, Tinubu disclosed that the EFCC has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than ₦500 billion within the first two years of his administration. He said the recovered funds were being channelled into social programmes such as the Students Loan and Consumer Credit Schemes.
On delayed rulings in corruption cases, Tinubu noted growing public frustration over the slow pace of adjudication compared to the swift handling of cybercrime cases.
“The theme of this workshop ‘Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes’ — is timely,” he said. “It comes at a period when there is public anger over delayed adjudication of high-profile matters while cases involving cybercrime masterminds are determined with dispatch.”
The president also called for continuous learning among judges as financial crimes increasingly involve sophisticated technologies such as cryptocurrency and blockchain systems.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks, reminded judicial officers that their rulings significantly affect Nigeria’s growth and stability. She urged judges to uphold the people’s trust by ensuring justice is neither delayed nor compromised.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, pledged that the National Assembly would continue to strengthen law enforcement institutions to ensure corruption has “no hiding place.”
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede (SAN), said the judiciary’s support had been vital in achieving over 4,000 convictions and substantial asset recoveries, adding that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling reaffirming the EFCC’s powers further strengthened its anti-corruption mandate.
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that President Tinubu has approved the construction of a new auditorium at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, following concerns about inadequate capacity.
Wike said the project, along with an ongoing 600-capacity student hostel, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving legal education infrastructure.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded the president and the FCT minister for their consistent support for the justice sector, describing the intervention as “a reflection of leadership that delivers results.”
Director-General of the Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), expressed gratitude to the president for the approval and to Wike for his continued investment in strengthening legal education in Nigeria.
