EFCC’s Missed Opportunity for Anti-Corruption and CSR Advocacy

THIS ‘LokogomaGate’ will not just die without CSR REPORTERS setting the records straight!

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has inadvertently undermined the credibility of its anti-corruption mission by mishandling the communication surrounding the seizure of 753 duplexes in the Lokogoma District of Abuja.

What should have been celebrated as a landmark achievement in the fight against corruption—the largest single asset seizure since the EFCC’s establishment in 2003—has instead sparked public outrage due to the agency’s failure to name the owners of the vast estate.

This incident highlights critical deficiencies in accountability, transparency, and governance, which are essential pillars for sustainable societal development.

The EFCC’s justification for withholding the identities of the property’s alleged owners—that those suspected denied ownership—is troubling. Court documents explicitly linked the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the estate, which spans 150,500 square metres. Yet, the anti-graft agency omitted these crucial details in its public announcement.

This lack of transparency erodes public trust. Naming suspects is a standard practice in criminal investigations globally, particularly when supported by court filings. Hiding behind Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which focuses on civil action against properties, reflects a troubling lack of resolve to confront corruption head-on.

For organizations committed to CSR, transparency is non-negotiable. The EFCC must adopt a more open and proactive approach in its communications to maintain public confidence and inspire collective action against corruption.

Systemic corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress. The World Justice Project estimates that corruption has cost Nigeria over $550 billion since independence. A 2023 report from the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa states that Nigeria loses at least $18 billion annually to corruption in procurement processes. Transparency International ranks Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index, while PricewaterhouseCoopers warns that corruption could cost Nigeria up to 37% of its GDP by 2030 if left unchecked.

The Lokogoma estate seizure exemplifies the scale of corruption undermining Nigeria’s development. Such resources, if redirected toward public goods, could significantly alleviate the country’s infrastructure deficit, enhance social services, and uplift millions from poverty.

Countries committed to combating corruption often take decisive action. Vietnam sentenced property tycoon Truong My Lan to death for financial fraud involving $12.5 billion, while China has upheld death penalties for officials convicted of embezzling millions. Though these penalties may be extreme, they underscore the seriousness with which other nations treat corruption, contrasting sharply with Nigeria’s often lenient approach.

In Nigeria, however, plea bargains allow high-profile offenders to retain portions of stolen wealth, perpetuating a culture of impunity. Cases like that of Senator Orji Kalu, whose 2019 conviction for embezzling state funds was overturned on a technicality after just five months in prison, highlight systemic failures. The judiciary must play a more robust role in ensuring justice is served, particularly in cases involving influential individuals.

Fighting corruption is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including corporate entities. Companies have a critical role to play in fostering ethical practices, advocating for accountability, and supporting initiatives that enhance transparency and governance.

To this end, the EFCC must embrace a CSR-oriented strategy in its operations. This includes:
Building Public Trust: Through transparent communication and consistent accountability, the EFCC can demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption.
Partnering with Stakeholders: Collaborations with businesses, civil society, and international organizations can amplify the impact of anti-corruption initiatives.

Enhancing Internal Governance: Strengthening internal processes to prevent leaks and influence from vested interests will bolster the EFCC’s credibility.

Preventing corruption is as important as prosecuting it. Ministries, departments, and agencies must adopt robust controls to detect and deter corrupt practices. By integrating anti-corruption measures into CSR frameworks, organizations can create a culture of integrity that permeates all levels of governance.

What more can we say? The EFCC’s mishandling of the Lokogoma property seizure is a wake-up call for Nigeria to rethink its approach to anti-corruption. Beyond asset recovery, the focus must shift toward meaningful deterrents, including stringent legal penalties and systemic reforms.

Corruption is not just an economic issue—it is a moral one that threatens the very fabric of society. For Nigeria to overcome this scourge, all sectors must unite in a shared commitment to transparency, justice, and ethical governance. By doing so, the nation can rebuild public trust and chart a path toward sustainable development.