October 23, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, to enhance the autonomy and institutional independence of the anti-graft agency.
The proposed amendment aims to make the removal of the EFCC Chairman subject to the approval of the National Assembly, a move lawmakers say will reduce executive interference and strengthen the integrity of the commission.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill during plenary on Thursday, the sponsor explained that the amendment seeks to fortify the EFCC against political influence and ensure that its leadership is accountable not only to the President but also to the legislature.
He noted that the current provision of the Act gives the President the sole power to appoint and remove the EFCC Chairman, a situation critics say undermines the commission’s independence and exposes it to political control.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed support for the proposed amendment, describing it as a necessary step toward reinforcing the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. They emphasized that for the EFCC to effectively discharge its duties, it must be insulated from undue political pressure.
The Deputy Speaker, who presided over the session, commended the intent of the bill, stressing that corruption remains a major impediment to Nigeria’s development and that strengthening anti-corruption institutions is a national priority.
Following an extensive debate, the bill was passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Financial Crimes for further legislative scrutiny and report.
If passed into law, the amendment will make it mandatory for the President to seek the approval of the National Assembly before the removal of the EFCC Chairman, aligning the process with democratic principles of checks and balances.
