Over two decades after their establishment, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission remain at the centre of Nigeria’s anti-corruption war but public opinion is deeply divided about their effectiveness.
The EFCC was established in 2000, while the ICPC was set up in 2002 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
While both agencies boast high-profile convictions and asset recoveries, critics argue that these gains are overshadowed by political interference, selective justice, and a lack of transparency.
For many Nigerians, the question is no longer whether these bodies are doing something but whether they are doing enough, fairly, and independently.
Despite securing high-profile convictions and recovering looted funds, the EFCC and the ICPC continue to face mounting public scepticism.
In 2024, the EFCC and the ICPC recovered a total of ₦277bn and $105m.
A breakdown of these figures showed that while the EFCC recovered ₦248bn, $105m, and 753 duplexes in 2024, the ICPC reclaimed ₦29.685bn in cash and $966,900 in looted assets in the same year.
The EFCC also secured a total of 4,111 convictions in 2024.
According to the EFCC, the conviction was the highest number in any operational year since its inception.
But despite some successes recorded in the last few years, public perception of the agencies’ effectiveness varies, with many believing that corruption remains widespread and that the agencies are not doing enough to address it.
There are also concerns about the transparency and accountability of the agencies’ operations, particularly in handling recovered assets.
THE WHISTLER spoke to some Nigerians about their perception of both agencies in the area of anti-corruption war.
In his reaction, an Abuja based Public Affairs Analyst, Uche Ebuka, claimed that the independence of these agencies is compromised by political pressure, especially during politically charged periods like elections.
He said, “Despite years of operations, corruption still thrives in public and private sectors, leading many to question the real impact of EFCC and ICPC.
“While many Nigerians support the existence and mandate of the EFCC and ICPC, they are, however, disappointed with the pace, fairness, and outcomes of their work.
“Both agencies fall short of public expectations in terms of impartiality, speed, deterrence, and effectiveness. For them to regain public confidence, they must operate with greater transparency, independence, and consistency, as well as show that no one is above the law.”
A Benin-based banker, Sunny Iwok, said more transparency in terms of management of recovered loot is needed from both agencies.
He said, “More transparent and accountable operations, particularly in asset recovery and case management, are needed to build public trust.
“Continued public education and engagement efforts are vital to foster a culture of integrity and promote citizen participation in the fight against corruption.”
He said that while the EFCC and ICPC have made some strides in combating corruption, they face significant challenges and criticisms in terms of their independence and transparency.
He added, “Addressing these issues through enhanced collaboration, independence, capacity building, and transparency is crucial for the agencies to effectively fulfil their mandates and build public confidence in their efforts.”
Also speaking, a Lagos based Lawyer, Sylvester innocent, said some of the mode of operations of the EFCC are against the establishment Act.
He said, “EFCC sometimes act outside their practices and scope of their work, EFCC for example is not expected to arrest an offence of assault or kidnapping, they are expected to look into crimes related to internet fraud and money laundering .
“The method of media parade is not right, everyone has the right to dignity of persons , parading the person online doesn’t mean the person is guilty of that offence.
“Although the law permits that to an extent, when they suspect that a crime has been committed, or the person was involved in money laundering activities.”
He said while the law permits the EFCC to arrest those suspected to have committed a crime, the EFCC has been violating that provision by unlawful arrests.
“The law permits that if they are trying to arrest a suspect and he is refusing them entry into the premises, then they can use force. But EFCC on most times just break into people’s house without requesting for access.
“They also take up on some cases without keeping the citizens up to date with the news after the media parade. They breach the rights of citizens as a guise of carrying out their functions,” he added.
Also speaking, an Enugu based political activitst, Solomon Ike said while he acknowledges the necessity of both agencies in combating corruption, there is widespread skepticism about their effectiveness and impartiality.
He said. “The EFCC is often praised for its visibility, particularly in the recovery of looted funds and the prosecution of high-profile individuals.
“However, the EFCC engage in selective justice, targeting low-level or opposition figures while politically connected individuals are left untouched. The practice of media trials and concerns about human rights violations has also contribute to public distrust.
“The ICPC, on the other hand, is seen as less active and less impactful. Many Nigerians are unaware of its work, leading to questions about its relevance.
“Overall, while the existence of EFCC and ICPC is widely supported, the public believes both need greater independence, transparency, and accountability to truly earn trust and deliver justice in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.”
