Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has said the commissioning of the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) zonal office in Ado-Ekiti marks a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Shettima, who spoke on Tuesday during the inauguration of the EFCC Ekiti Zonal Directorate complex along Old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, described the project as a strategic investment in strengthening institutions tasked with tackling financial crimes and promoting national reforms.

He commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for what he called deliberate efforts to build a stronger and more effective commission capable of responding to evolving economic crimes across the country.

“This state-of-the-art facility demonstrates the Commission’s determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of Nigerians and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts nationwide,” Shettima said.

The Vice President stressed that modern infrastructure and improved welfare for security and law enforcement personnel remain essential to national development, noting that the EFCC plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic stability and security framework.

He also highlighted the Commission’s recent achievements, including its role in dismantling a foreign-linked cryptocurrency fraud syndicate in Lagos in 2024, which led to the conviction of 192 foreigners, as well as its interventions against Ponzi schemes and contributions to Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

Shettima further praised the EFCC’s asset recovery operations, saying recovered funds had supported key government social intervention programmes, including the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme.

He also referenced successful prosecutions of high-profile corruption cases, including convictions of a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank, describing them as evidence that anti-corruption enforcement is being sustained without bias.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions, Shettima pledged continued support for agencies fighting corruption.

“My administration will continue to invest in strengthening anti-corruption agencies through good and conducive working environments, competitive welfare packages, unfettered freedom to operate, and adequate training opportunities. Your sacrifices will not be taken for granted,” he said.

He urged stronger collaboration between security agencies and stakeholders in Ekiti and Ondo States to ensure the effectiveness of the EFCC’s operations in the region.

Earlier, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the new zonal directorate as a milestone in expanding the Commission’s operational reach and improving service delivery.

“The edifice that we are gathered to commission today is the crystallisation of a unique vision in institution building and consolidation,” Olukoyede said.

He explained that the new office would close operational gaps in Ekiti and Ondo States while strengthening community engagement and enforcement capacity. He also assured law-abiding citizens that they have nothing to fear from the Commission.

“If you have nothing to hide, you can be rest assured that when the EFCC knocks on your door, it is to ask for your support,” he said.

Olukoyede maintained that the Commission would remain relentless in its fight against economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime and illegal mining, adding that offenders would find no safe haven within the jurisdiction.

He also cited landmark convictions, including that of former NEXIM Bank Managing Director Robert Orya, sentenced to 490 years imprisonment after a decade-long trial, and former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, who received a 75-year sentence over alleged diversion of funds in major power projects.

“The EFCC is a marathoner, and when it comes to the fight against corruption, we never give up,” he stated.

He called for stronger public participation in the anti-corruption campaign, stressing that community support is vital to success.

“Success in the fight against corruption is impossible without the buy-in of the people. This is your zone, own it and run with it,” he added.

The newly commissioned facility, formerly an inherited structure, has been upgraded into a modern complex featuring furnished offices, workstations, holding facilities, staff canteens, and a large parking area designed to support efficient operations.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lawmakers, security chiefs, and traditional rulers from across the country.