NACIWA President Applauds UNODC’s Focus on Anti-Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows
- March 28, 2026
- Posted by: Public Affairs Officer
- Categories: Events, News
The President of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for prioritizing the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows in its newly launched Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030.
Delivering a Goodwill Message at the launch in Abuja, Nigeria on Friday, March 27, 2026, Mr. Olukoyede described corruption as a “heinous threat to national and global development,” stressing that every effort to combat it deserves recognition.
He noted that the Programme’s emphasis on tackling corruption and illicit financial flows is particularly significant, given the enormous economic and social costs these challenges impose on Nigeria. “Confronting these threats requires coordinated national responses, strong institutions, and sustained international cooperation,” he said.
In this context, the Programme reflects priorities consistent with NACIWA’s mandate to promote cooperation among national anti-corruption institutions and to strengthen collective efforts in addressing corruption and related challenges across the West African region.
Mr. Olukoyede highlighted that the launch comes at a critical time when Nigeria and the global community continue to grapple with transnational organized crime, terrorism, cyber-enabled offences, and governance gaps exploited by criminal networks.
The UNODC emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, projected to reach 400 million inhabitants by 2050, with the potential to drive positive regional change.
The event drew wide participation from key Nigerian stakeholders, including the judiciary, ministries, departments, and agencies such as the National Judicial Institute (NJI), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).