President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the new office complex of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ado-Ekiti, describing the facility as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive and advancing the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The newly inaugurated Ekiti Zonal Directorate office, located along Old Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, was commissioned on behalf of the president by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu praised the executive chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, alongside the management and staff of the Commission, for what he described as their dedication to deepening institutional reforms and strengthening the nation’s anti-corruption framework.
According to the president, the completion of the modern facility reflects the commission’s resolve to improve operational efficiency and extend the impact of anti-corruption enforcement across the country.
He stressed that investment in modern infrastructure and better welfare for personnel of security and law enforcement agencies remained vital to national development and economic stability.
Tinubu noted that the EFCC continues to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and security architecture, citing some of the agency’s recent high-profile achievements.
Among the accomplishments highlighted by the president was the dismantling of a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency investment fraud syndicate in Lagos in 2024, which resulted in the conviction of 192 foreign nationals. He also referenced the Commission’s efforts against Ponzi schemes and its contribution to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List.
The President further commended the anti-graft agency’s aggressive asset recovery efforts, noting that recovered funds had supported major intervention programmes, including the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.
Tinubu also applauded the prosecution of prominent corruption cases involving a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank, saying the convictions demonstrated that corruption would not be tolerated under his administration.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption agencies, the president promised continued investments in personnel welfare, operational independence and professional training.
“My administration will continue to invest in strengthening the anti-corruption agencies through incentives such as conducive working environments, competitive welfare packages, unfettered freedom to operate and adequate training opportunities,” he said.
The president also urged stronger synergy among security agencies and called on stakeholders in Ekiti and Ondo states to support the EFCC in carrying out its mandate effectively.
In his remarks, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the inauguration of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate as a significant milestone in the Commission’s expansion strategy and anti-corruption enforcement efforts.
According to him, the establishment of the directorate would address operational challenges previously experienced in covering Ekiti and Ondo states.
“The edifice that we are gathered to commission today is the crystallisation of a unique vision in institution building and consolidation,” Olukoyede stated.
He explained that the facility would strengthen the Commission’s fight against economic and financial crimes while improving engagement with residents and stakeholders within the zone.
The EFCC boss assured law-abiding citizens that the agency’s presence should not create fear, insisting that only criminals had reasons to worry.
“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 said.
Olukoyede maintained that cybercriminals, illegal miners and other economic offenders would find no safe haven within the jurisdiction of the new zonal office.
He also reiterated the Commission’s determination to sustain the prosecution of corruption-related cases, regardless of how long they take in court.
Highlighting some recent convictions secured by the Commission, Olukoyede referenced the sentencing of former NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Robert Orya, to 490 years imprisonment after a prolonged trial, as well as the conviction of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who received a 75-year jail term over the alleged diversion of N22 billion linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects.
“The EFCC is a marathoner, and when it comes to the fight against corruption, we never give up,” he declared.
Olukoyede appealed to residents of Ekiti and Ondo states, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the anti-corruption campaign, stressing that public participation remained essential to the success of the Commission.
The newly commissioned office complex features modern workstations, holding facilities for suspects, canteens for staff and detainees, expansive parking spaces and other operational facilities designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lawmakers, heads of security agencies and traditional rulers from across the country.
