news 1 September 2026 Nile Post
Nigeria's EFCC Fires Over 40 Staff for Corruption
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the EFCC, has dismissed more than 40 employees in the last three years due to alleged corruption and financial misconduct. The agency also reported significant asset recoveries and a high conviction rate. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/368288/i-have-fired-40-of-my-agents-for-being-corrupt-says-nigerias-anti-corruption-chief
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has taken decisive action against internal corruption, dismissing over 40 staff members in the past three years. This significant revelation came from EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede during an assessment of the agency’s performance since he assumed leadership in October 2023.
Olukoyede stated that more than five of the dismissed officials are currently facing prosecution, with legal proceedings being prepared for others. He emphasized the importance of integrity within the agency, stating, “You can’t be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices.”
As part of reforms, the EFCC’s Department of Internal Affairs has been rebranded as the Department of Ethics and Integrity. A new policy on gifts and hospitality has also been implemented to combat conflicts of interest, requiring staff to declare gifts exceeding a specified threshold, including those from relatives abroad.
Despite the internal accountability measures, the EFCC highlighted its broader achievements. Under Olukoyede’s tenure, the commission has reportedly recovered 1.23 trillion naira (approximately $925 million USD) and maintained a conviction rate exceeding 75%. Between October 2023 and July 2026, the EFCC received nearly 50,000 petitions, investigated over 39,000 cases, filed more than 14,000 cases in court, and secured over 10,800 convictions.
The agency’s caseload appears to be shifting, with an increasing focus on cybercrime and fraud, moving beyond traditional corruption cases targeting high-profile officials.