In a strategic move to fortify Nigeria’s financial integrity, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ has launched a €111,000 project aimed at empowering journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs) to lead the offensive against Illicit Financial Flows ,IFFs.
The initiative is a critical component of the broader €46.5 million SecFin Africa project, a four-year continental program funded by the European Union, Germany, and France.
Speaking at the validation of a research report on Nigeria’s legal framework, ANEEJ Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Leo Atakpu, detailed the organization’s specific intervention titled: “Strengthening CSOs and Media Capacity to Contribute to the Fight Against IFF in Nigeria.
The 12-month project, which runs through January 2027, is co-funded by the EU with a €99,900 grant, supplemented by a €11,100 contribution from ANEEJ. Its primary mission is to curb the systemic drain of resources caused by money laundering, terrorist financing, and organized crime.
The project sets ambitious targets to ensure institutional accountability across the federation through Capacity Building for CSOs.
At least 90 civil society organizations, including groups representing women, youth, and persons with disabilities, will undergo rigorous training to enhance their monitoring and advocacy roles.
75 investigative Journalists across print, electronic, and digital platforms will be equipped with specialized skills to uncover and report on complex financial crimes.While a nationwide campaign involving Radio, Television, and social media will be deployed to simplify the complexities of IFFs for the general public.
Atakpu noted that while Nigeria was successfully delisted from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” in 2025, the threats of proliferation financing and money laundering remain high.The project’s implementation roadmap includes research workshops and intensive training sessions to be held in Abuja, Lagos, and Uyo.These hubs will serve as the training grounds for the next generation of financial watchdogs.
By fostering a coordinated reporting system between the media and civil society, ANEEJ and its international partners including Expertise France, GIZ, and the Swedish Tax Agency aim to create a transparent ecosystem where recovered assets are utilized effectively for national growth.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of global financial standards, this initiative marks a significant shift toward a “citizen-led” enforcement model, ensuring that the fight against corruption moves from government boardrooms to the public eye.
