Assessing the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Policies under the EFCC and ICPC (2015–2025): A National Perspective

ABSTRACT

Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to Nigeria’s development. Since 2015, the federal government has intensified anti-corruption efforts through two key institutions — the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This study assesses how effective these agencies have been in curbing corruption between 2015 and 2025.

A mixed-method approach was adopted. Data were gathered from official reports, policy documents, and public perception surveys. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to evaluate performance indicators such as case conviction rates, asset recovery, and institutional reforms.

Findings show that both agencies achieved notable successes in public awareness and asset recovery. However, challenges such as political interference, weak legal frameworks, and slow judicial processes limited their overall impact.

The study concludes that while EFCC and ICPC remain vital to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda, long-term success requires stronger autonomy, judicial support, and consistent policy enforcement. It recommends reforms to strengthen inter-agency coordination and public trust in the fight against corruption.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Corruption undermines development, weakens public institutions, and erodes citizens’ trust in government. In Nigeria, it has affected every sector of national life — from politics to education, and from the judiciary to public service. Successive governments have made various attempts to tackle this issue through policy reforms and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies.

The two main agencies leading this effort are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The EFCC was established in 2003 to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and embezzlement, while the ICPC focuses on preventing corruption through investigation, prosecution, and education.

Since 2015, both agencies have taken prominent roles under the federal government’s renewed anti-corruption drive. Policies have emphasized asset recovery, transparency in public procurement, and whistleblower protection. Despite these initiatives, corruption remains a persistent problem in Nigeria.

This study, therefore, assesses the effectiveness of these agencies and their policies over the ten-year period from 2015 to 2025. It focuses on how their operations have influenced accountability, deterrence, and institutional integrity at the national level.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite continuous anti-corruption campaigns, Nigeria still ranks low on global corruption perception indexes. Billions of naira are lost annually through fraud, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds.

The EFCC and ICPC have made several arrests and recovered stolen assets, yet the conviction rates remain low compared to the number of cases prosecuted. Political interference, weak prosecution capacity, and poor public awareness often reduce their effectiveness.

Moreover, overlapping responsibilities between both agencies sometimes create confusion and duplication of efforts. There is a need to critically evaluate how effective these bodies have been in achieving their mandates and reducing corruption across key sectors.

This study addresses the central question: How effective have the EFCC and ICPC been in implementing anti-corruption policies between 2015 and 2025?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption policies implemented by EFCC and ICPC in Nigeria between 2015 and 2025.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the major anti-corruption policies and reforms introduced during the period.

2. Evaluate the achievements of EFCC and ICPC in asset recovery, prosecution, and public education.

3. Identify the challenges limiting the agencies’ effectiveness.

4. Suggest strategies to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement and institutional collaboration.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What major anti-corruption policies have been introduced by EFCC and ICPC since 2015?

2. How effective have these agencies been in reducing corruption through investigation and prosecution?

3. What challenges hinder the full implementation of anti-corruption policies?

4. What reforms can improve their performance and sustainability?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀: There is no significant relationship between anti-corruption policies and their effectiveness in reducing corruption in Nigeria.
H₁: There is a significant relationship between anti-corruption policies and their effectiveness in reducing corruption in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study provides valuable insights into Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption strategy. It helps policymakers and stakeholders understand the progress made and the challenges that remain. The findings will guide reforms aimed at improving policy design, inter-agency coordination, and judicial efficiency.

Civil society organizations and the media can also use the results to promote transparency and public accountability. Academically, the study adds to existing literature on governance, corruption control, and institutional performance in developing countries.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study covers the activities of EFCC and ICPC across Nigeria between 2015 and 2025. It focuses on policy implementation, prosecutions, asset recovery, public education, and inter-agency collaboration. Data are drawn from official reports, international indexes (such as Transparency International and World Bank Governance Indicators), and survey responses from selected Nigerians.

This period captures both the Buhari (2015–2023) and Tinubu (2023–2025) administrations, offering a comprehensive review of recent anti-corruption trends.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Some government records were not fully accessible, and respondents were sometimes reluctant to discuss politically sensitive issues. However, secondary data and triangulated sources ensured accuracy and reliability. Despite these constraints, the study provides credible evidence on the performance of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.

1.9 Definition of Key Terms

• Corruption: The misuse of public power or office for private gain.

• Anti-Corruption Policy: A set of laws and programs designed to prevent, detect, and punish corruption.

• EFCC: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, responsible for combating economic and financial crimes.

• ICPC: Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, focused on prevention and education against corruption.

• Transparency: The openness of government processes that allows for accountability and citizen oversight.