Anticipatory declaration of assets: EFCC uncovers bold new corruption tactic in Nigeria

EFCC reveals anticipatory declaration of assets as a new corruption tactic, warning of politicians plotting looting plans before taking office

Anticipatory declaration of assets has been exposed as a cunning new method used by some Nigerian politicians to legitimise ill-gotten wealth before assuming public office, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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Speaking in Abuja at the launch of a virtual Code of Conduct tool, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the tactic as “devilishly smart” a practice where corrupt leaders list properties they intend to buy with stolen funds before they even step into office, effectively shielding themselves from future investigations.

In one recent case, investigators discovered that a politician declared ownership of a mansion worth over N3bn before it was built.

The land was only registered in his name after winning the election, and architectural designs were completed just before he was sworn in.

Olukoyede called this “a terrible and premeditated act of corruption,” warning that such practices undermine public trust and must be tackled by scrutinising asset declaration forms more thoroughly.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, praised the new virtual tool as a “historic milestone” in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, stressing that the Code of Conduct is the moral foundation of public service.

He urged officials and citizens to uphold transparency and integrity beyond mere compliance.

Jane Onwumere, head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), described the platform as a key step in bridging the gap between policy and practice.

It features interactive training, real-world scenarios, and case studies to help public servants apply ethical standards consistently.

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The EFCC’s revelation and the government’s new tool send a clear message: leaders must not be allowed to plan their looting before taking the oath of office and citizens have a duty to hold them to account.