THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION IN ADRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA (2015-2025)

This study examines the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in addressing the challenges of corruption in Nigeria from 2015 to 2025. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness, limitations, and evolving strategies of the EFCC in combating economic and financial crimes during this period. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study draws on content analysis of official EFCC reports, judicial records, media publications, and published journals. Grounded in the System Theory, the study explores how institutional frameworks, political interference, public perception, and legal constraints have influenced the EFCC's performance. Findings reveal a mixed record: while the EFCC recorded notable convictions, recovered stolen assets, and increased public awareness, its efforts were often undermined by political interference, selective prosecution, inadequate funding, and judicial delays. The study further highlights an inconsistency in the enforcement of anti-corruption laws and the absence of deep institutional reforms as key impediments to sustainable progress. The study recommends a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture, including the legal insulation of the EFCC from political control, judicial system reform to accelerate case adjudication, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and greater investment in public sector transparency mechanisms.