From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) on February 25, 2026, organized a stakeholders’ dialogue to enhance legislative oversight for the effective implementation of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) 2022 in Nigeria.
The event, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), brought together critical actors in Nigeria’s anti-corruption ecosystem to reflect on the country’s most important legal instrument for asset recovery governance.
In a welcome address, Comrade Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, representing the Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, emphasized the significance of the gathering, highlighting that the passage of POCA 2022 represented a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
He noted that the law provides a unified framework for the recovery, management, and disposal of assets derived from unlawful activities, but stressed that effective implementation is key to achieving its intended purpose.
Atakpu identified several implementation challenges, including coordination gaps among law enforcement agencies, administrative bottlenecks in asset management, and limited transparency in the management of recovered assets.
He emphasized the need for strengthened parliamentary oversight to ensure that asset recovery processes operate efficiently, fairly, and transparently.
The dialogue aimed to achieve three strategic goals: deepen understanding of the current implementation status of POCA 2022; identify legal, institutional, and procedural gaps; and generate practical recommendations to strengthen legislative oversight and enhance transparency in asset recovery.
Atakpu highlighted that asset recovery is not just a technical financial exercise, but a governance and justice imperative.
He emphasized that recovered assets can contribute to national development, strengthen public trust, and demonstrate that crime does not pay. Still, weak asset management systems can undermine the deterrent value of anti-corruption enforcement.
The event explored critical issues such as inter-agency collaboration, the functioning of the Joint Directorate envisaged under POCA, non-conviction-based forfeiture mechanisms, and safeguards for constitutional rights.
Atakpu stressed the need to strike a balance between aggressive asset recovery and protection of due process.
The Deputy Executive Director appreciated the FCDO’s support for the dialogue, noting that their continued partnership reinforces Nigeria’s journey toward transparent governance and institutional reform.
He also acknowledged the contributions of civil society colleagues, media partners, and agency representatives, emphasizing that their input is vital to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The expected outcome of the dialogue is a clear roadmap for parliamentary action, improved inter-institutional collaboration, stronger accountability systems for asset management, and a communiqué containing practical policy recommendations for the National Assembly.
Atakpu concluded by reaffirming ANEEJ’s mission to promote environmental and economic justice, support institutional accountability, and contribute to policies that advance the public good.
He urged participants to share insights that will help transform POCA 2022 into a powerful governance tool that delivers justice, strengthens institutions, and protects national resources.
In a goodwill message, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba,
represented by Barrister Pere Ikuetemi, Assistant Chief State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice, noted that POCA 2022 was enacted to provide an effective legal and institutional framework for the recovery and management of proceeds of crime.
He emphasized that the Legislature owes Nigerians the duty to scrutinize bills and enact them for the common good of the populace.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the importance of proceeds derived from crime and unlawful activities, citing examples of how recovered assets have been utilized for national development, including infrastructure projects and training of judicial officers.
He stressed that a proper framework is needed to harness these stolen resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, lauded ANEEJ for organizing the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the POCA Amendment is robust and effective.
Represented by Mr. Joe Banafe, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, expressed confidence that the dialogue would provide valuable insights and recommendations to inform the amendment process.
Similarly, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, also welcomed positive dialogue on the POCA Amendment, emphasizing the Commission’s willingness to engage in constructive discussions to strengthen the legislation.
Represented by Gbolahan Latona, Director of Proceeds of Crime Management at the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode noted that the Commission recognizes the need for continuous improvement and is committed to working with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Nigeria, in its goodwill messages, emphasized the importance of civil society in the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) Amendment process.
Uchenna Arisukwu, Civil Society Adviser of OGP, highlighted the critical role that civil society organizations play in promoting transparency and accountability in government.
According to him, civil society has a unique position to provide oversight and ensure that the POCA Amendment serves the best interests of the public.
He noted that the involvement of civil society is crucial in identifying gaps in the current legislation and proposing amendments that would strengthen the Act.
The OGP also emphasized that the POCA Amendment is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to open government and transparency. By engaging with civil society and other stakeholders, the government can ensure that the legislation is robust and effective in tackling corruption and promoting accountability.
The OGP representative called on civil society organizations to take an active role in the POCA Amendment process, providing input and recommendations that would shape the legislation. By working together, the OGP believes that Nigeria can create a more transparent and accountable system for managing recovered assets, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people.
The stakeholders’ dialogue is timely, as a private bill sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, PhD, is slated for public hearing at the National Assembly on February 26, 2026.
