Revamping the EFCC to Strengthen the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria
By Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
The fight against corruption in Nigeria has been a long-standing battle, with the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the forefront in the investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes. However, there are identified inadequacies in the current system that hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission.
Established in 2003 in response to international pressure on the fight against money laundering, the EFCC has faced criticism for its restrictive and discriminatory nature, particularly in the appointment of its leadership. This has led to calls for reforms that will ensure that the Commission can carry out its mandate effectively and independently, without undue influence.
The recent appointment of a new Chairman has once again brought these issues to the forefront, sparking debates on the effectiveness of the EFCC and the need for reforms. It is clear that there is a need to strengthen the frameworks for effectiveness and efficiency, prevent corruption, improve the quality of convictions, ensure transparency and accountability, and strengthen domestic and international collaborations for collective impact.
In terms of frameworks, there is a need to deliberate on the extent to which the provisions of the EFCC establishment Act satisfy public and standard expectations for eligibility of a nominated Chairman and meets the purpose for which a financial crimes institution should be set up. This will involve wide consultations and a comprehensive evaluation of the Commission’s operations and administration.
Preventing corruption is also crucial, and the EFCC should explore opportunities for strengthening preventive mechanisms, including strategic collaborations and integration with relevant agencies for real-time data and information-sharing. This will not only enhance the Commission’s capabilities but also foster integrity and transparency within the organization.
The quality of convictions is another area that requires improvement. While the EFCC has secured commendable convictions, there have been concerns about the lack of significant convictions for politically exposed persons and the need for thorough investigations of public officers and politically exposed persons named in various scandals.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to building public confidence and the EFCC should adopt a system of asset declaration that is available for public scrutiny. Additionally, professional conduct in investigation, arrest, prosecution, and public engagement is essential to restore the public’s confidence and support in the Commission.
Collaborations and harmonising inter-agency operations are crucial to mitigating corruption, and the EFCC should focus on strengthening domestic and international collaborations for a collective impact. This will involve partnerships with national agencies, as well as international security organisations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the International Police (Interpol), among others.
Reforming the financial system and asset recovery are also key components in the fight against corruption. By sustaining initiatives to prevent money laundering and illicit financial flows, the EFCC can contribute to reducing corruption in the banking sector and strengthen the regulatory role of relevant institutions.
In conclusion, the EFCC plays a crucial role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, but there is a clear need for reforms to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. The new leadership of the Commission must lay a foundation for wide consultations on this process and work towards carrying out its mandate effectively and independently.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani is the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, and his insights on the need for reforms in the EFCC are crucial to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
