By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, to urgently increase the fight against all forms of financial crimes, as Nigeria navigates a critical economic phase.
Chairman of the committee, Ginger Onwusibe gave the charge yesterday during the panel’s 2026 budget defence session held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The panel expressed optimism that the two anti-graft agencies would do the needful, as Nigerians are watching closely, even as they are also demanding tangible results beyond routine annual budgetary exercises.
Onwusibe observed that the 2026 budget is anchored on infrastructural development and food security, with broader goals of macroeconomic stability, job creation and human capital development.
He, however, acknowledged the economic hardship currently being faced by many Nigerians, even as he expressed cautious optimism on the workability of the budget.
The lawmaker cited some positive signs of recovery owing to the International Monetary Fund’s, IMF, projection of a 4.4 percent growth for Nigeria in 2026.
He also commended certain moves being made by government through reforms and improved domestic demand across Nigeria.
The lawmaker spoke extensively on the pivotal role of the EFCC and NFIU in safeguarding the economy through asset recovery, deterrence of corruption, as well as the enhancement of financial stability.
He, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to make robust and responsive laws.
He also revealed four critical anti-corruption bills recently considered and would soon be laid before the House for accelerated passage.
While commending Abbas for major feats in the House, Onwusibe appraised the delisting of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, grey list, observing that it is a boost to the country’s international credibility and investment prospects.
The panel informed that as at October 2025, EFCC had recovered over N566 billion, N411 million and 1,502 properties, while securing 3,175 convictions.
While appraising the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede and NFIU Director, Hafsat Abubakar-Bakare, the committee said the feat achieved in recent times shows their leadership capacity.
The committee chairman assured of the National Assembly’s readiness to thorougly scrutinise all agencies proposals to ensure professionalism, transparency and value for money.
The panel also identified priority areas to include investigative capacity, international cooperation, asset management, as well as emerging threats like cybercrime among others.
While calling for collective efforts, the committee expressed resolve to build a secure, transparent and accountable financial system across all states of the federation.
