ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF BUHARI'S ADMINISTRATION

This study assesses the effectiveness ofthe EFCC in the fight against corruption under Buhari's leadership, examining key policies, achievements, and challenges. The study was guided by three major objectives which include; to evaluate the powers of EFCC in combating corruption in Nigeria, to reassess tactics and strategies of the EFCC in combating corruption in Nigeria under Buhari's administration, to establish the extent to which the EFCC was effective in checking corruption under Buhari's administration. Structural functional theory was utilized as the framework for theoretical analysis. The findings shows that corruption remains a major impediment to Nigeria's economic growth, governance, and development. The Economic and corruption, Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has played a pivotal role in combating corrug particularly during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration (2015-2023). Buhari, known for his anti-corruption stance, empowered the EFCC to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, leading to high-profile arrests and asset recoveries. The administration introduced initiatives such as the whistleblower policy, enhanced legal frameworks, and international cooperation to track illicit funds. However, criticisms arose over selective prosecution, political interference, and the slow judicial process, which hampered the commission's effectiveness. While statistics suggest increased convictions and recovered funds, concerns persist regarding institutional weaknesses and the sustainability of anti- corruption efforts post-Buhari. This study argues that while the EFCC made progress under Buhari, systemic corruption, political influences, and weak judicial processes limited its overall impact. The study recommends judicial reforms, enhanced institutional independence, and stronger anti-corruption policies to sustain the fight against corruption beyond Buhari's tenure.