ECOWAS, EFCC strengthen anti-corruption, security efforts in West Africa

On June 20, 2024, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political, Peace and Security Affairs, warmly received Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This significant meeting underscored the commitment of both organizations to intensify their collaborative efforts against regional challenges such as terrorism, judicial corruption, and transnational crime.

The courtesy visit by Mr. Olukoyede aimed to explore avenues for cooperation between ECOWAS and the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).

During the discussions, Mr. Olukoyede informed ECOWAS about the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) of NACIWA, seeking ECOWAS’s support for the event. Notably, in 2022, the EFCC was elected as the Chairman of NACIWA, an organization supported by ECOWAS.

Key topics addressed during the meeting included enhancing regional cooperation to combat terrorism, disrupting terrorism financing, and tackling judicial corruption through structural reforms. Ambassador Musah emphasized that terrorism remains a severe threat in West Africa, noting the complexities of tracking and interrupting terrorism financing across borders.

He called for strengthened collaboration with neighboring countries, especially considering recent political developments in the region. He also highlighted the critical importance of addressing judicial corruption to ensure good governance and judicial integrity.

Mr. Olukoyede reiterated the EFCC’s dedication to fighting economic and financial crimes, emphasizing the strong correlation between security and economic stability. He stressed the necessity of joint efforts to combat illicit financial flows and promote good governance, stating, “In taking office, I am committed to helping tackle the challenges of corruption and ensuring peace in our country and the region. We must work together to synergize our efforts and move forward with the Commission and our nations.”

Support for anti-corruption initiatives is reinforced by various ECOWAS protocols and partnerships. The Directorate of Political Affairs, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is aiding NACIWA’s 6th Annual General Assembly. This assembly aims to develop guidelines on asset recovery and cross-border investigations, bolstering regional efforts against corruption.

The meeting between ECOWAS and the EFCC marks a significant step forward in the fight against corruption and insecurity in West Africa, highlighting the importance of unified regional strategies and cooperation.