The Federal Government has directed that assets recovered from corruption cases be immediately channeled back into the economy to fund critical social programmes, including the newly launched students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this disclosure on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the 7th edition of a capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, jointly organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Shettima affirmed that the administration’s policy is to empower citizens directly with recovered wealth rather than allowing the funds to remain idle.
“Recovered proceeds of crime by the EFCC are being brought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programmes, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes,” Shettima stated, highlighting a shift towards using retrieved public funds for visible social impact.
Anti-Corruption Milestones
The Vice President showcased the performance of anti-graft agencies under the current administration, revealing that the EFCC has recorded significant achievements in the last two years. He noted that the commission has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets exceeding ₦500 billion within this period.
Shettima credited these successes to President Tinubu’s clear policy of non-interference, which grants anti-corruption agencies the independence required to execute their mandates.
“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and giving them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates,” he said, asserting that this approach has strengthened institutional accountability and public trust in the fight against financial crimes.
Support for the Judiciary and Call for Integrity
Shettima also reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, noting that the remuneration and welfare of judges have already improved, with further enhancements planned. He stressed that improved welfare is essential to promoting fairness and discouraging corruption within the justice system, while maintaining respect for the constitutional separation of powers.
Addressing the judicial officers, the Vice President urged them to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, cautioning that “Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not insulated from its consequences.”
He concluded by stressing that the administration maintains a firm stance on accountability, reaffirming that no political ally or public official is protected from investigation or prosecution, and calling for a collective effort across all arms of government to curb graft for national development.
