The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has officially launched a policy framework to assess Nigeria’s compliance with key Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles.
 
Its Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, while speaking at the launch yesterday in Abuja, described the move as a bold step towards strengthening transparency, accountability, and justice in the country’s asset recovery and management framework. 
  
He pointed out that the policy brief was a result of a six-month research project supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the most populous black nation’s adherence to the GFAR principles over the past five years.
  
Ugolor stated: “These principles are not just guidelines, they are commitments Nigeria has made on the global stage. This research holds the mirror to our system, identifying both achievements and critical gaps, and offering practical recommendations to drive reform.”
  
The GFAR principles were adopted in 2017 by countries, including Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia, as the concept emphasises the return of stolen assets in a transparent, accountable, and inclusive manner, ensuring assets are not diverted or misused.
  
Ugolor highlighted Nigeria’s track record that includes major asset repatriations such as $322.5 million and $311.8 million in Abacha loot, as well as the return of $954,807.40 in proceeds from the Alamieyeseigha case, saying a comprehensive review of how these recoveries align with the GFAR framework was overdue.
  
He explained that the research evaluated the implementation of principles on transparency, civil society inclusion, benefit to victims, and ensuring offenders are not rewarded, adding that the findings were validated through extensive consultations across Abuja, Asaba, Bayelsa, and Lagos. 
  
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts, highlighting the importance of civil society, transparency, and international cooperation in ensuring stolen assets are returned and used to benefit citizens.
  
Speaking at the launch, the Lead Block Government and Stability FCDO, Mr. William Robinson, acknowledged the central role of both government and civil society in fighting corruption.
  
The UK official also underscored the role of civil society in promoting transparency, noting that government partnerships must go hand in hand with strong civic engagement. 
  
While both Nigeria and the UK have made notable progress through domestic legislations and asset recovery actions, challenges remain. 
  
He acknowledged that asset return processes have not always advanced with the speed or transparency expected, citing complex legal proceedings and limited resources in law enforcement as key barriers.