President Bola Tinubu has said the newly inaugurated Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) zonal office in Ekiti State will play a major role in strengthening Nigeria’s battle against corruption, financial fraud, and other economic crimes.
The President made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of the EFCC Zonal Directorate Office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the new facility would bring anti-corruption efforts closer to the people and improve the Commission’s ability to tackle financial crimes at the grassroots level.
According to him, corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to national growth, stressing that no country can achieve lasting development if public institutions and trust are weakened by dishonest practices.
He praised EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the leadership of the agency for their determination in pursuing corrupt individuals and protecting public resources.
Tinubu described the newly completed office as a modern facility that would enhance the efficiency of EFCC personnel and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat crimes that continue to affect Nigeria’s economy.
“The strength of any nation depends on the integrity of its institutions. Development suffers when corruption is allowed to thrive, and that is why agencies like the EFCC remain vital to our national progress,” he said.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and anti-graft agencies through better infrastructure, improved welfare, and operational independence.
He noted that the EFCC’s activities have contributed significantly to government programmes by recovering stolen assets and redirecting them towards projects that benefit citizens.
Tinubu pointed to initiatives such as the student loan programme and consumer credit schemes, saying recovered public funds have helped support key national development efforts.
He added that recent convictions involving top public officials demonstrate that no individual is above the law.
The President urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to remain focused and continue intensifying the fight against corruption across the country.
Earlier, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the commissioning of the office as a major step forward in expanding the Commission’s operations.
He explained that the Ekiti office was established to improve oversight and enforcement activities in both Ekiti and Ondo states, which were previously supervised from other zones.
Olukoyede assured residents that the EFCC’s presence should be viewed as a source of protection rather than fear.
He warned fraudsters, cybercriminals, and individuals involved in illegal mining and financial crimes that the Commission would not allow them to operate freely within the region.
“If you are law-abiding, you have nothing to worry about. This office is here to protect public interest and ensure that criminals are brought to justice,” he said.
He also called on residents to support the Commission by providing useful information and cooperating with anti-corruption efforts.
Speaking at the event, Biodun Oyebanji commended President Tinubu for supporting development projects in Ekiti State.
The governor expressed confidence that the new EFCC office would help reduce financial crimes, improve accountability, and contribute positively to economic growth in the state and surrounding areas.