As part of efforts to drive legislative reforms, strengthen institutions, and harmonise stolen assets recovery protocols under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is working with civil advocates and law enforcement agencies to strengthen support and enforcement capacities.

At a one-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, the agency stressed the need for increased understanding of the Proceeds of Crime and Recovery Management Act to boost Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.

In partnership with the World Bank-supported Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (STAR), the UNODC said it will sustain its support to Nigeria in terms of technical assistance, capacity development, strategic policy dialogues, and multi-stakeholder engagements.

Country Representative of the UNODC, Cheikh Touré, pointed out that the UNODC’s long-term partnership with Nigeria has driven legislative reforms, strengthened institutions, and harmonised assets recovery protocols to align with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) obligations.

The partnership, he added, has promoted data-driven policy formulation and empirical research to advance good governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Represented by the Programme Coordinator, Anti-Corruption of the UNODC, Princess Chifiero, he said: “Under the Stolen Assets Recovery (STAR) Initiative with the World Bank Group, UNODC has enhanced Nigeria’s legislative, investigative, judicial, and enforcement capacities for recovering stolen assets abroad.

“Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Justice, this collaboration facilitated the implementation of the 2022 Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, including the adoption of regulations and a centralised database for seized and confiscated assets, which was officially launched in May 2025.”