Lawmakers Move to Limit President’s Power Over EFCC Chairman’s Removal
The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework by passing for second reading a bill seeking to strip the President of the unilateral power to remove the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without the approval of the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and for Related Matters (HB. 2493),” was sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi. The bill aims to enhance the EFCC’s independence, shield it from political interference, and align its operations with international anti-corruption standards.
Leading the debate on the bill, Gagdi explained that since the establishment of the EFCC in 2004, the scope and sophistication of financial crimes have significantly expanded to include cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering.
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He argued that the EFCC Act, as it currently stands, does not sufficiently guarantee the Commission’s operational independence and leaves it vulnerable to political influence.
“One of the key amendments,” Gagdi stated, “is the proposal to limit the President’s power to remove the EFCC Chairman, which under the current law can be done at the President’s discretion for reasons such as incapacity or misconduct.”
Citing Section 3(2) of the EFCC Act, 2004, he noted that the President presently has the authority to remove any member of the Commission if deemed no longer in the public or Commission’s interest. However, under the proposed amendment, such a removal would require the approval of a two-thirds majority of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to Gagdi, the amendment seeks to restore public confidence, enhance transparency, and ensure that the EFCC operates as a professional, autonomous, and globally compliant institution.
“This reform,” he added, “will not only safeguard Nigeria’s global reputation but also promote good governance, economic stability, and renewed public trust in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.”
The bill’s passage at second reading signals growing legislative momentum to reinforce the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency.
By PRNigeria
