The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and other stakeholders in the anti-corruption sector from the West African countries have advocated for the harmonization of the legal framework (in the fight against corruption), as well as investment in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices in the region.
They made this appeal at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).
In his address at the event, Dr. Aliyu identified corruption as a borderless crime that required concerted efforts of nations. He also maintained that the objectives and guiding principles of NACIWA gives hope and confidence and an indication of readiness to tackle corruption by member nations.
“I would like to state here that there are little or no new laws in the fight against corruption; it’s just a matter of implementation. I therefore, use this medium to emphasise the need to step up the fight against corruption via the instrumentality of digitalisation. Effective use of technology and digital tools will assist anti-corruption operatives in the onerous task of taming this monster and dismantling the corruption networks.
“The sophisticated nature that corruption has assumed regionally and globally calls for innovations, strategising and collaboration. To this end, NACIWA must embrace the use of technology and digital devices in the implementation of the ECOWAS PROTOCOL to tackle the menace of corruption in our sub-region and in our individual countries”.
The ICPC boss also stressed the importance of sharing knowledge and intelligence as well as training on the knowledge gap in the fight against corruption in the sub-region.
“As I have pointed out, the fight against corruption is not a tea party. It requires the active collaboration of all. NACIWA nations must share knowledge and intelligence since what affects one has the potential to affect others. I hereby advise that the time is right for NACIWA to consider bringing anti-corruption practitioners in our different jurisdictions together for training and exchanging ideas. This is a veritable means of closing the knowledge gap between us and ultimately being able to dismantle the corruption gangs in our sub-region.”
In his address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) underscored the importance of adopting effective structure and strategies saying that it will not only promote anti-corruption institutions in the region but also provide solid operational framework.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shetima said “Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. It undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources.”
While noting that in the bid to strengthen the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, the government under his leadership had given the anti-graft bodies unhindered capacity to operate within the ambit of the law without interference and they have been adequately funded just as he urged other member states to do same.
The President also urged NACIWA member states to adopt strategies from the provisions of the various ECOWAS protocols in reinvigorating the fight against corruption in the region.
“As we deliberate on ECOWAS protocol in the fight against corruption, I ask all member states to renew their commitment to this cause in the bid to harmonise the legal framework in the fight against corruption, enhance effective corporation on investigation and asset recoveries, invest in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices, promote transparency in public procurement and resource management, engage civil society and the media as partners in our anti-corruption effort and strengthen the independence and capacity of our national anti-corruption institutions.”
“All member states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS protocol against corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation. The future of our region lies on the ability to be transparent and accountable, with efficiency that will serve the interest of our people” the President said.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and President of NACIWA, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, stated that the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption was not a mere technical exercise but a moral imperative that demands utmost dedication and innovative thinking.
He said “Our presence here today underscores the importance of collaborative and coordinated efforts in fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance across West Africa”
He added that the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Protocol for tackling corruption became imperative owing to the peculiarities of the sub-region. He also pointed out the need for the return of stolen artefacts to Africa and the payment of interests that the stolen treasures had yielded to Western countries.
“There are some artefacts that have been taken to some museums within the Western countries and people have been going to these museums for centuries paying to look at these artefacts. So, what happens to the proceeds that have been generated from these artefacts over the years? It is not just enough for them to return the artefacts; we are also going to demand for the proceeds that have accrued from them. We will demand payment of interests on stolen funds stashed away in foreign banks”. He said.
Also speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that the objective of our assembly was aimed at acquainting all relevant stakeholders in the ECOWAS region with the comprehensive content of the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption.
He said by doing so, “we seek to ensure that we as key custodians of the anti-corruption drive gain a deep understanding of the provisions, principles, and obligations outlined within this important framework.
“Secondly, we are dedicated to equipping our anti-corruption institutions with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement and enforce these measures within their respective national legal systems. This dual approach is essential for creating a cohesive and unified strategy against corruption across West Africa and beyond.”
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau also noted that the scourge of corruption is not confined to West Africa borders alone as it is now a trans-national phenomenon that requires a coordinated response.
He said, “By working in collaboration and unity, sharing intelligence, and supporting each other, we can create a formidable barrier against internal corruption and external-engineered corrupting influences.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar stressed that corruption was responsible for insecurity and instability in the West African sub-region and called for regional cooperation to tackle the menace.
“The link between illicit funds and insecurity is clear – where there is widespread corruption and financial crime, there is instability and conflict. To address these challenges, regional cooperation is crucial. Africa has made significant strides in this regard, with initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasises good governance, transparency, and accountability as key pillars for the continent’s development”, he said.