FG RENEWS COMMITMENT TO FIGHT CORRUPTION, MONEY LAUNDERING 13-12-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government says it committing to the fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows to bring in the needed Economic growth for the Nation
The Leader of the delegation of Nigeria and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Justice. Lateef Fagbemi made pledge at a global rally of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption held at the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta, United States.
A statement by the Spokesperson, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Mrs Azuka Ogugua says Justice Fagbemi decried the threats posed by corruption, money laundering to the development of Nigeria and other African nations.
The statement explains that the present administration had taken some measures to combat the vices including the opening of a beneficial ownership register, stresses that Asset recovery is the major tool of anti-corruption fight.
The Minister further stated that focus would be placed on opaque companies operating in the country while urging all states parties to the UNCAC to support the Nigerian Government’s efforts in combating corruption, money laundering and Illicit and Financial Flows.
The Conference is a biennial event, which brings together anti-corruption law practitioners, policy makers, private sector and the civil society to renew efforts in the fight to prevent and combat corruption.
The Tenth provides an opportunity to take stock and renew global commitments to the implementation of the relevant legal instruments, especially the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and COSP resolutions.
The session is expected to focus on the review of the implementation of the Convention, asset recovery, international cooperation, prevention amongst others.
Nigeria is a State Party to the UNCAC having signed the Convention in 2003 and ratified it in 2004.
The Nigerian delegation to the Conference includes the outgoing Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Solomon Arase; Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba; heads of anti-corruption agencies, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Justice.