The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has intensified collaboration with civil society advocates and law enforcement agencies to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to repatriate stolen wealth.
At a one-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, the UN agency underscored the importance of strengthening institutions, harmonizing asset recovery protocols, and deepening understanding of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act to bolster the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
In partnership with the World Bank–supported Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (STAR), UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to provide technical assistance, capacity development, policy dialogues, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Touré—represented by Programme Coordinator, Anti-Corruption, Princess Chifiero—noted that the agency’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria has facilitated legislative reforms and aligned asset recovery measures with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Touré highlighted that the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice had supported the implementation of the 2022 Proceeds of Crime Act, including the establishment of regulations and a centralized database for seized and confiscated assets launched in May 2025.
He stressed that these measures promote data-driven policy formulation, advance good governance, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
