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EFCC presents N76.586 billion budget to House of Reps
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presented a budget of N76.586 billion (Seventy-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Six Million Naira) for 2024 to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Crimes on Tuesday.
According to a release by Dele Oyewale, the commission’s Head of Media and publicity, the proposed budget reflects a 53.48% increase over the Commission’s 2023 appropriation of N49.901 billion (Forty-Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million Naira). In the budget estimate, a total of N37.074 billion (Thirty-Seven Billion, Seventy-Four Million Naira) was proposed as personnel cost, N14.513 billion (Fourteen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) as overhead cost, and N25.000 billion (Twenty-Five Billion Naira) as capital cost.
Presenting the budget to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, stated that the 2024 proposed estimate of N76.486 billion represented a significant increase over 2023’s N49.901 billion budget, owing to additional funds needed for overhead, personnel, and capital costs.
“This increase is solely attributable to the rise in personnel cost from N36.834 billion to N37.074 billion in 2024, overhead cost from N10.535 billion to 14.513 billion in 2024, and capital cost from N2.531 billion to N25.000 billion in 2024,” he said.
Commenting on the 2023 budget performance, Olukoyede explained that the sum of N36.835 billion was appropriated as the Commission’s personnel cost for the year. “Out of this figure, the sum of N28.452 billion representing 77% has been released for the payment of salary and allowances of staff on the Commission’s payroll between January and November 2023. Additionally, the sum of N7.024 billion representing 67% of the N10.535 billion appropriated for the Commission’s overhead cost in 2023 has so far been released.”
The EFCC Chairman further stated that the Commission’s request for additional funds for overhead is due to the high cost of air travel tickets, motor vehicle fuel costs, diesel costs, and the high cost of maintenance of buildings, operational vehicles, and office equipment in the headquarters and fourteen Zonal Commands.
He appreciated the Committee’s support for the Commission in the discharge of its duties and the successes it is achieving in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
Responding, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Obinna, stated that financial crimes pose a significant threat to the stability and progress of any economy. “In recent years, our nation has witnessed a surge in sophisticated financial crimes that demand our immediate attention and robust defense mechanisms. From money laundering to cybercrimes, the challenges are multifaceted and ever-evolving. We must stay ahead of these threats, adapt our strategies, and equip ourselves adequately to counteract the forces that seek to undermine our economic well-being and that of our nation.”
He stated that the budget’s defense and discussions on issues related to it were a reflection of the Committee’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens can trust the financial institutions that drive the economy and empower the EFCC to carry out its vital duty. “It is a pledge to provide the necessary resources to empower the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to carry out its vital mission effectively,” he said.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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