Global Cooperation Crucial in Combating Corruption, Says Ambassador Tuggar

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja, has called for the urgent need for both regional and global cooperation in the fight against corruption, while underscoring the profound impact of corruption on development and stability, particularly in Africa.

The Minister emphasized the critical importance of united efforts in tackling corruption, a challenge that spans across borders and demands collective action.

He described corruption as a pervasive issue undermining institutions, eroding public trust, and intensifying poverty and inequality, as he point to Nigeria as a stark example, where corruption exacerbates radicalization, insecurity, terrorism, and human trafficking.

Tuggar also stated that, at the regional level, West African nations grapple with governance issues, especially in border areas, where criminal gangs exploit weak local governance to conduct smuggling and other illicit activities. The emergence of Boko Haram, banditry, and drug trafficking across borders in Nigeria and neighboring countries were cited as evidence of this issue.

“There is the need to follow financial trails to combat these issues effectively and emphasized the role of local governance in strengthening regional cooperation. Nigeria, alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is actively engaged in cross-border diplomacy to enhance transnational cooperation on development planning”, Tuggar noted

According to him, the challenge of illicit financial flows, siphon billions from Africa annually. These flows, hidden in tax havens and opaque financial systems, undermine economic stability and development.

During the meeting, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) were mentioned as key initiatives promoting good governance and accountability.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was highlighted as a significant opportunity to standardize regulations and improve regional cooperation. However, the Minister also underscored the necessity of global cooperation in combating corruption and illicit financial flows.

The United Nations Resolution on Tax Cooperation, championed by Nigeria, aims to improve international tax cooperation and eliminate financial safe havens.

Ambassador Tuggar also called on international community to support Africa’s anti-corruption efforts by enhancing transparency in global financial systems and closing loopholes that facilitate illicit activities, as he stressed the importance of advanced technology, such as AI and blockchain, in tracking and repatriating stolen assets.

He concluded with a call for more equitable international legal frameworks that address corruption and financial crime across both developed and developing nations, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to tackling corruption globally.