‘Nigerians want to see impact’: Obi reacts to EFCC’s N853bn recovery

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government to ensure that funds recovered from corruption are put to visible and productive use that directly benefits Nigerians.

Reacting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) disclosure that it recovered N853 billion within one year, Obi commended the anti-graft agency but stressed that Nigerians expect more than just announcements.

Obi wrote on X: “The Commission deserve our commendation for this effort, even though we are aware it’s just a tiny fraction of the funds looted from the public treasury by the Leaders.

“Beyond this recovery therefore, what truly matters is the utilisation of these funds in a verifiable and accountable manner, specifically in the critical areas of development, health, education, and poverty alleviation to benefit the people.

“Nigerians want to see impact. We must be able to trace where and how these recovered funds are invested.”

In a statement on Friday, October 3, 2025, the former Labour Party presidential candidate noted that Nigeria faces dire social and economic challenges, citing over 20 million out-of-school children — the highest in the world — and more than 100 million people living in extreme poverty.

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Obi stated that strategic use of recovered funds could play a significant role in breaking cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity in the country.

Obi added: “Currently, we have over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, the highest in the world. Similarly, we have the highest number of acute poor in the world, over a hundred million.

“In both cases, it is worse in the North, and all efforts toward reducing the situation remain imperative. If these recovered funds and subsequent ones are strategically invested, they would immensely contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity.”

Obi proposed that the federal government channel the funds into education and micro-credit for the poor.

He suggested tripling the 2024 Universal Basic Education budget of N251.47 billion with an additional N503 billion, while distributing the remaining N350 billion as micro-loans to 19 northern states, many of which, according to him, have struggled to access similar support from development banks.

Obi also warned against turning the recovery into another symbolic announcement, stressing the need for accountability and transparency.

“Let this not just be another announcement of recovery. Let it be the beginning of a new era of accountability, where every kobo retrieved is turned into classrooms, hospitals, skills, and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians,” the former governor stated.

The Star