…Says System Corruption is Nigeria’s Biggest Problem
Anthony Kila, a Professor of Strategy and Development, has suggested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requires a complete overhaul, stating that the agency has become more of an entertainer than an investigator.
Kila, who is also the Centre Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), made these remarks while appearing as a guest on the early morning newspaper review on Radio Now 95.3 FM Lagos on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Discussing the court case filed by 16 states against the establishment of the EFCC, with the Supreme Court set to hear the matter on October 24, Kila outlined three key issues:
“There are three things to consider here. First is representation—almost all regions are represented in these 16 states, which indicates that something serious is at stake.
“The second point is the legal framework. In public matters, you cannot ignore the law. As the saying goes, ‘If the foundation is faulty, what shall the righteous do?’ If the legal basis for the EFCC’s actions isn’t clear, we need to rectify it immediately.
“Thirdly, there has long been suspicion about the EFCC, and I believe it requires a complete overhaul. The agency appears to have turned into more of an entertainer than a serious investigative body.”
The renowned scholar further argued that the EFCC’s actions often seem haphazard, focused more on making headlines than conducting meaningful investigations.
He suggested compiling data on the EFCC’s cases since its inception, comparing the number of cases investigated, those won, those lost, funds recovered, and the fate of individuals indicted. This, he said, would provide a clearer picture of the agency’s effectiveness.
“I believe, so far, the EFCC’s performance has been inadequate, especially in a country where most of the people believe that corruption is our biggest problem, but a flawed or corrupt system cannot fight corruption” Kila said.
He also suggested that more states might eventually join the case against the EFCC, warning against using cultural and spiritual conflicts as excuses for poor governance. “A republic like Nigeria should have laws that prevent the destruction or corruption of the system.”
Kila emphasized that reforming the EFCC and clarifying its founding act is necessary to address the issue of executive overreach. He argued for the creation of independent agencies, free from the influence of political figures, to ensure accountability.
He criticised the EFCC’s practice of public arrests, stating, “The EFCC is a financial crimes commission. They don’t need guns; they need pens and laptops. You need forensic experts and approaches, not Rambo, to fight corruption.
