On Monday, President Bola Tinubu addressed the ongoing challenges in combating corruption in Nigeria during the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission/National Judicial Institute Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu pointed to the issues of frivolous appeals, the alleged intimidation of judges by lawyers, and judgements based on technicalities as significant barriers hindering the swift prosecution of corruption cases. He emphasized that these obstacles must be addressed to ensure a more efficient judicial process. This workshop serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to vocalize their concerns regarding Nigeria’s pervasive issue of corruption.
Despite acknowledging the progress made due to recent justice sector reforms, Tinubu stressed that the effectiveness of the judiciary is crucial in the fight against corruption, highlighting the essential roles of commitment, courage, and patriotism in judicial officers. The President explained that although the prosecution of corruption cases has seemingly improved, the ongoing challenges—including delaying tactics and intimidation—continue to complicate matters, necessitating a unified effort from all Nigerians to tackle this issue collectively. He underscored that relying solely on anti-corruption agencies for solutions is insufficient; rather, a broader societal commitment is essential.
Tinubu elaborated on how advancements in technology have complicated financial crimes, mentioning the rise of virtual assets and cryptocurrency fraud, which have exceeded the current legal framework. He urged the judiciary to adapt and ensure adequate knowledge to deal with these new complexities. To support judicial officers in performing their responsibilities, Tinubu’s administration has initiated improvements in the welfare of judges, including salary increases and providing official accommodations in prime areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
The President also noted the executive’s role in mitigating corruption pressures on vulnerable Nigerians through strategic investments of recovered assets into critical social programs, such as the Students Loan Fund and the Consumer Credit Scheme. These initiatives aim to provide easy access to financial resources for students and workers, thus reducing the temptation to engage in corrupt practices. Tinubu thanked the EFCC for its ongoing efforts in combating economic crimes and assured continued governmental support to empower the commission in fulfilling its mandate.
During the workshop, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in addressing economic crimes. She affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to training and capacitating judicial officers to tackle these crimes effectively. Other speakers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, advocated for ongoing collaboration and practical solutions to combat financial crimes and called for regular law reviews to adapt to the evolving complexities of economic offenses.
In summary, this workshop exemplifies a unified front among stakeholders in Nigeria’s judicial and legislative sectors to combat corruption and financial crimes. The contributions from various officials, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, point to a shared goal of enhancing the legal framework and capacities to address the continuing threat of corruption. As Nigeria grapples with these significant challenges, the discourse at the workshop serves as a critical step toward fostering a more effective strategy against economic crimes and enhancing the overall integrity of the justice system.
