The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework by passing for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Establishment Act of 2004.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), aims to grant the EFCC greater institutional independence by curbing the President’s unilateral power to remove its chairman. According to the bill, the removal of the EFCC chair would henceforth require a two-thirds majority approval from both chambers of the National Assembly.
Presently, the law empowers the President to dismiss the EFCC chairman for reasons such as misconduct, inability to perform official duties, or in the public interest. However, Gagdi argued that such discretion has often been abused, undermining the agency’s autonomy and eroding public trust in its anti-graft operations.
“The EFCC must be insulated from political interference if it is to function effectively. This amendment will ensure that no individual, regardless of status, can manipulate the commission for political gains,” Gagdi stated while leading debate on the floor of the House.
Beyond addressing the issue of leadership stability, the amendment also seeks to modernize the EFCC Act to reflect emerging realities in financial crimes, including cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, real estate–based money laundering, and terrorism financing.
Lawmakers who supported the bill described it as a bold and necessary reform to align Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws with global standards and to deepen transparency in governance. They emphasized that granting the EFCC more operational independence would strengthen accountability and public confidence in its work.
The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action before it returns to the House for third reading and eventual passage into law.
If passed, the amendment would mark a decisive shift in Nigeria’s governance structure, ensuring that the fight against corruption remains impartial and free from executive overreach.