The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have pledged to deepen cooperation in the fight against corruption and financial crimes, officials said Tuesday.

The renewed commitment was announced when the NJI Administrator, Justice B.A. Adejumo, led senior officials to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Justice Adejumo praised the EFCC for safeguarding public funds and urged its leadership to maintain momentum in ensuring accountability. He warned that corruption had long stifled Nigeria’s progress, saying resources meant for development were diverted by a few, leaving millions impoverished.

“No nation can survive without a Commission like the EFCC,” he said. “With Mr Olukoyede at the helm, I have seen positive progress and I encourage him to continue doing good.”

The NJI chief underscored the judiciary’s role in strengthening integrity and noted that cooperation with the EFCC would entrench accountability across public service.

“The fear of the EFCC is the beginning of wisdom,” Adejumo said, vowing not to shield any judges involved in wrongdoing. He added that the NJI would continue to educate judicial officers on the law and its operations to ensure fair rulings in corruption cases.

Responding, Olukoyede congratulated Adejumo on his appointment and reaffirmed the EFCC’s reliance on judicial support to deliver justice.

“We have had a long history with the NJI spanning seven years, and we will continue to build on this collaboration,” he said. “As an agency, we diligently present our cases in court and trust the judiciary to do the right thing.”

Both leaders agreed that stronger institutional synergy was crucial in tackling graft and restoring public trust in governance.