By Chukwuka Ugokwe, Awka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Directorate complex in Awka, Anambra State, describing the decentralisation of the Commission’s operations as critical to deepening the fight against corruption in the Southeast.
The facility, commissioned on Friday, October 2, 2026, is expected to expand the EFCC’s operational reach and strengthen its capacity to tackle economic and financial crimes in Anambra and Imo states.
Tinubu: EFCC Presence Must Reach Every Sector
Represented at the commissioning by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu commended the EFCC leadership for its achievements in the fight against corruption.
He said the Commission’s activities remained critical to the Federal Government’s economic reforms and efforts to promote good governance.
According to him, decentralising the EFCC’s operations in the Southeast would ensure that its presence and impact reached every sector of society.
The President assured the Commission of the Federal Government’s continued support and provision of an enabling environment to effectively discharge its mandate.
He said strengthening the EFCC would also help build confidence among businesses to operate without fear of corruption and other financial crimes.
Soludo Welcomes EFCC to Awka
In his keynote address, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, welcomed President Tinubu, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and other dignitaries to Anambra, describing the state as “The Light of the Nation.”
Soludo described the establishment of the EFCC Zonal Directorate in Awka as a welcome development that would strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes, including at the grassroots.
“The function of the EFCC is pivotal to the economic development of the state, and law and order remain essential for a thriving society,” he said.
The governor pledged his administration’s cooperation with the Commission, particularly in taxation, revenue collection and training of local government staff and civil servants on procurement procedures.
“We will cooperate with you to ensure the work goes well, as well as collaborate with your Commission in areas of taxation, revenue collection and training of local government staff and civil servants to educate them on the procurement process so they know the process,” Soludo said.
Soludo Recalls EFCC Invitation
Recalling his experience as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Soludo disclosed that he was once invited by the EFCC for an interview after leaving office.
He said that following the investigation, no evidence was filed against him.
The governor urged the Commission to always provide feedback to persons invited for interrogation, while commending the EFCC for what he described as professionalism during his own experience with the agency.
Uzodimma Seeks EFCC Office in Imo
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, thanked President Tinubu for establishing the Awka directorate to oversee economic and financial crime matters in Anambra and Imo states.
He said the development would reduce the burden on residents of the Southeast who previously had to travel to Abuja or Lagos for EFCC-related engagements.
“We are happy with the choice of having our EFCC Zonal office here in Awka because this establishment would save the Commission and save our people in the Southeast region the stress of travelling to Abuja or Lagos whenever the Commission invites them for questioning or any official engagement,” Uzodimma said.
He urged residents to conduct their businesses legitimately and cooperate with EFCC officials whenever clarification was required.
“We are not telling our people not to make money, but to make money in a manner the EFCC will not come after them,” he said.
Uzodimma also requested the establishment of a small EFCC office in Imo State.
EFCC Records 10,872 Convictions
Earlier, EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, said the new facility would expand the Commission’s operational capacity and bring its services closer to the people.
He said the directorate would provide greater access to justice and strengthen collaboration between the EFCC and Nigerians in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
Olukoyede commended Governor Soludo for providing the facility, describing the gesture as a strong expression of confidence in the Commission’s ability to contribute to Anambra’s development.
“We are most grateful for this trust and remain committed to our continued partnership,” he said.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that, under its current reform agenda, the Commission had established new directorates in Ekiti, Anambra and Katsina states to improve public access to its services and strengthen its nationwide operations.
He said that between October 2023 and July 2026, the Commission received 49,673 petitions, investigated 39,615 cases, filed 14,476 cases in court and secured 10,872 convictions.
According to him, the figures represent a conviction-to-filing ratio of 75.1 per cent, while the Commission recorded 1,370 convictions from 1,889 filings in the first half of 2026 alone.
EFCC Reports N1.23tn, $684m Recoveries
Olukoyede further disclosed that the Commission recovered ₦1,233,612,040,411.11, $684,478,457.32, £373,905.78 and €9,343,803.66, in addition to recoveries in other currencies.
He also announced the introduction of policies covering gifts and hospitality, conflict of interest and exhibit-room security.
According to him, the Commission had also renamed and restructured its Affairs Department as the Ethics and Integrity Department as part of its internal cleansing efforts.
Olukoyede assured that the Awka Zonal Directorate would justify its establishment through professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the EFCC’s mandate.
He said the directorate would work with relevant stakeholders to make Anambra, Imo and Nigeria safer for honest enterprise, investment and legitimate prosperity.
Tags: EFCC, Tinubu, Anambra, Awka, Soludo
