The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice ANEEJ, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office FCDO, has successfully convened a high-level dialogue to harmonize Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
This development is happening prior to the landmark of a public hearing at the National Assembly.The dialogue brought together Heads of the EFCC, ICPC, and the Ministry of Justice to address critical gaps to overhaul the implementation of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) 2022.While the Act was a milestone for Nigeria, stakeholders warned that implementation friction and coordination gaps between agencies are preventing recovered assets from effectively benefiting the Nigerian public.
Comrade Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ who explained that Asset recovery is not just a financial exercise said it is a justice imperative. He added that If our management systems are weak, we fail the Nigerian people. He noted that the public hearing is the country’s chance to turn this law from a paper milestone into a governance powerhouse.
The dialogue saw rare, unified support from the heads of Nigeria’s primary anti-corruption bodies, all of whom acknowledged the need for the upcoming POCA amendments.
Solicitor General, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba,represented by Barr. Pere Ikuetemi emphasized that recovered assets must be harnessed for national development, such as infrastructure and judicial training.
While,the ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN reassured the commission ‘s commitment to a “robust and effective” amendment process.
On his part, the EFCC Chairman ,Mr. Ola Olukoyede welcomed the dialogue, noting that continuous improvement of the legislation is vital for the commission’s success.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) reminded participants that the law belongs to the people. Civil Society Adviser Uchenna Arisukwu argued that the amendment process is a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to transparency. He urged civil society to act as the “ultimate oversight,” ensuring that the POCA Amendment serves the public interest rather than institutional ego. Insights from this session are expected to form the bedrock of recommendations for the National Assembly public hearing on, February 26, 2026.
The hearing will focus on a private bill sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, PhD, which seeks to transform POCA from a static legal document into a dynamic tool for institutional accountability
