NACIWA re-elects EFCC chairman Olukoyede as president
The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa has re-elected Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as its President.This resolution was announced in a communique released on Wednesday in Abuja at the conclusion of NACIWA’s 7th Annual General Assembly, signed by delegates from all ECOWAS member countries.
The communique confirmed that the Annual General Assembly adopted fresh guidelines on borderless investigations, asset tracing, recovery, and management throughout the Economic Community of West African States.
The communique praised Olukoyede for his exceptional leadership and dedication to combating trans-border economic and financial offenses in the sub-region during his initial term.
It noted that Olukoyede and other Executive Committee members were re-elected by consensus as their first three-year term ended with the 7th AGA.
This renewal was warranted by their “optimal and exemplary performance for another term of three years.”
The Assembly reiterated its dedication to international and regional frameworks, including the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, emphasizing the necessity of regional cooperation in asset recovery, mutual legal assistance, and information sharing.
The Assembly encouraged Member Institutions to enhance their coordination with national financial intelligence units and other law enforcement agencies. It remarked that the 7th AGA coincided with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, representing a renewed spirit of regional unity and collaboration.
The communique specifically urged Member Institutions to take all necessary measures to incorporate and implement the ECOWAS Protocol into their national systems to ensure strict adherence to regional commitments.
Additionally, it highlighted the urgent need for ongoing collaboration with civil society organizations, youth, and media networks to improve advocacy and boost public involvement in the fight against corruption throughout West Africa.
The 7th AGA concluded by extending sincere thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and for officially opening the Assembly on Tuesday.
In his inaugural address, President Tinubu called for ECOWAS to adopt a decisive approach by categorizing resource theft, particularly illegal mining and mineral smuggling, as international crimes. He issued a serious warning, stating that this issue “represents a major threat to the peace, stability, and economic well-being of the subregion.”
The President’s call for action was clear: “The time has arrived for ECOWAS to classify resource theft, illegal mining, and mineral theft as an international crime that endangers the stability of the region.”
He also urged the Assembly to concentrate on raising global awareness against the trade in stolen minerals from West Africa.
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