In Nigeria, media and civil society organizations urged to step up efforts against illicit financial flows
In Nigeria, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on civil society organizations and the media to more actively identify and counter illicit financial flows. ANEEJ Executive Director David Ugolor said that funds taken out of the country through fraudulent transactions deprive it of resources for infrastructure, healthcare, education and job creation.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Ugolor spoke at a two-day training session for representatives of civil society organizations and the media in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. According to him, ordinary Nigerians feel the consequences of illicit financial flows through poor-quality public services and inadequate infrastructure.
Statement about the road project
As an example of the possible consequences of financial violations, Ugolor cited the Benin–Sapele–Warri road project. He claimed that 14 billion naira had been siphoned from the project and that citizens suffered the consequences of its failure. Premium Times noted that it was unable to independently verify this claim.
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At the same time, the outlet had previously reported that Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, wants to secure the arrest of a contractor who failed to complete the road despite receiving 14 billion naira.
Cooperation between the media and civil society sector
Ugolor noted that Nigeria has bodies and legal mechanisms to combat financial crimes, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. In his view, their work should be complemented by more active citizen participation and public oversight.
SecFin project operations coordinator Philip Pako also called for stronger cooperation with civil society organizations. He warned that funds illicitly taken out of Nigeria and other African countries could be directed toward criminal activities, including corruption and terrorism. Training participants discussed investigative journalism, media ethics, legal risks, source protection and digital security, and also developed ideas for materials on illicit financial flows.
