The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has called for the establishment of stronger anti-corruption frameworks across the region.
The appeal was made during NACIWA’s Sixth Annual General Assembly, held in Abuja from August 19 to 21, 2024, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for enhancing the fight against corruption within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
NACIWA emphasised the need for comprehensive guidelines and improved legal structures to effectively combat corruption, urging member states to bolster their efforts in line with international standards.
In a communique, NACIWA emphasised the need for these guidelines to align with international standards, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
“Comprehensive guidelines are crucial for ensuring that our anti-corruption efforts are effective and consistent with global best practices,” the communiqué stated.
The Assembly, which began on August 19, 2024, brought together key stakeholders from across the West African sub-region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, while declaring the event open, urged member states to strengthen their anti-corruption frameworks. “We must develop stronger structures to tackle the persistent threat of corruption in our region,” Tinubu said.
Among other resolutions, the communique called for increased funding and resources for anti-corruption agencies in the region. “Adequate human and material resources are essential for the effective discharge of our mandates,” NACIWA noted.
It also highlighted the importance of properly resourced institutions in combating corruption.
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NACIWA also urged the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the establishment of a Technical Commission dedicated to the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol in the fight against corruption.
The network offered its expertise and support for this endeavour, stressing that, “A dedicated Technical Commission will be instrumental in driving forward our collective anti-corruption agenda.”
The communique further addressed the need for harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks across West Africa, which NACIWA believes will help prevent safe havens for corrupt individuals and enhance cross-border cooperation in anti-corruption efforts. “Regional collaboration is key to addressing the transnational nature of corruption,” the document stated.
In addition to these calls, NACIWA underscored the importance of leveraging technology to enhance transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption.
The network also recommended the widespread adoption of Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) tools to help member institutions proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
The Assembly also discussed the development of the draft ECOWAS Guidelines on Asset Recovery and Borderless Investigation, encouraging the ECOWAS Commission to finalize this process with input from member institutions.
NACIWA commended Tinubu for his support, which they said underscored the significance of the mission to combat corruption across the region.
The network also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for providing a permanent Secretariat for NACIWA and to ECOWAS for hosting the Sixth Annual General Assembly.
