We're Funding Students' Loan With Recovered Stolen Loots – VP Shettima

The Federal Government has revealed that funds and assets recovered from corruption cases are being reinvested into the nation’s economy to support major social programmes such as the students’ loan initiative and the consumer credit scheme.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known in Abuja on Monday while declaring open the 7th edition of a capacity-building workshop for judges and justices. 

The event was jointly organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima explained that the administration had adopted a policy to redirect recovered proceeds of crime into productive sectors of the economy, rather than letting them remain dormant in government accounts.

“Every kobo recovered from corruption cases is being returned to the economy to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” Shettima stated. 

“These funds are now being channelled into vital social programmes like the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.”

He noted that the EFCC had made significant progress under Tinubu’s leadership, recording over 7,000 convictions and recovering assets valued at more than ₦500 billion in just two years.

“This progress is a direct outcome of the enabling environment created by this administration,” he said. 

“Our policy of non-interference in the work of anti-corruption agencies has strengthened their credibility and boosted public trust.”

According to Shettima, the President’s insistence on institutional independence has enhanced accountability and allowed agencies like the EFCC to carry out their duties without political pressure.

“As a government, we have chosen to build strong institutions rather than strong individuals. Anti-corruption agencies have the full liberty to operate without interference,” he added.

Shettima also commended the judiciary’s role in sustaining the fight against corruption, noting that the Federal Government has taken steps to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges.

“The remuneration of judges has been reviewed upwards, and we remain committed to ensuring they have the resources needed to perform their duties with integrity,” he said.

He stressed that better welfare for judicial officers would help promote fairness and discourage unethical practices within the justice system.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima maintained that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or office, was above investigation or prosecution.

“This administration does not shield anyone from accountability,” he declared. “We have allowed both the judiciary and anti-graft institutions to do their jobs without fear or favour.”

The Vice President urged judges and all public officers to uphold transparency and integrity, warning that corruption affects everyone regardless of status.

“Corruption does not discriminate. Its consequences reach every home and every sector,” he cautioned. 

“We must all join hands to defeat it if we truly want a nation that works for everyone.”

Shettima concluded by calling for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, stressing that sustainable national development depends on collective action and a shared commitment to accountability.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is achievable,” he said. “But it requires that each of us, regardless of position, plays our part in upholding justice and integrity.”