House of Reps Moves to Reduce Presidential Influence Over EFCC

Published on October 23, 2025

The House of Representatives has moved to reduce presidential influence over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), passing for second reading a bill that seeks to amend the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.

Sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), the bill is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and for Related Matters (HB. 2493).” It aims to strengthen the EFCC’s independence, enhance operational efficiency, and protect it from political interference.

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Presenting the bill before a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Gagdi said the proposed amendments were necessary to align the EFCC with international anti-corruption standards and address modern threats such as cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, and real estate money laundering.

According to Gagdi, “The existing Act does not provide sufficient guarantees for the independence of the Commission, exposing it to external interference.”

One of the most significant proposals in the bill is to limit the President’s powers to remove the EFCC Chairman. Currently, the President has the discretion to dismiss the chairman on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform duties.

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The amendment seeks to require the approval of two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly before any removal can take place.

Gagdi explained, “This amendment will restore public confidence, enhance transparency, and ensure that the EFCC operates as an independent, professional, and transparent institution responsive to modern realities.”

Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, also supported the bill, stating that emerging financial crimes were not anticipated when the EFCC Act was enacted in 2004, making reform necessary.

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The bill was unanimously passed for second reading and has been referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration.

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