The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has re-elected Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as its President.
The announcement was made in a communique issued at the conclusion of the 7th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of NACIWA on Wednesday in Abuja, endorsed by all ECOWAS member states.
The communique highlighted the AGA’s adoption of guidelines on borderless investigations, asset tracing, and the recovery and management of resources across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It commended Olukoyede for his exemplary leadership and commitment to tackling trans-border economic and financial crimes in the sub-region.
Olukoyede, along with other Executive Committee members who completed their first term, were re-elected by consensus for another three-year term, “owing to their optimal and exemplary performance.”
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). It also underscored the importance of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), emphasizing regional cooperation in asset recovery, mutual legal assistance, and information sharing.
The AGA urged member institutions to strengthen collaboration with national financial intelligence units and law enforcement agencies, noting that the 7th AGA coincided with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, symbolizing renewed regional unity and cooperation.
Member institutions were also encouraged to domesticate and operationalize the ECOWAS Protocol within national frameworks to ensure alignment with regional anti-corruption commitments. The communique further called for continued engagement with civil society organizations, youth, and media networks to boost advocacy and public participation in the fight against corruption.
The Assembly expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and for officially opening the AGA. In his address, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to designate resource theft—including illegal mining and mineral smuggling—as international crimes, warning that such practices pose a serious threat to the peace, stability, and economic prosperity of the sub-region.
“The time has come for ECOWAS to recognize resource theft, illegal mining, and the illicit trade in minerals as international crimes that threaten the stability of the region,” Tinubu said, calling for global awareness on the issue of stolen minerals from West Africa.
