The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has re-elected the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, as its President.
The decision was made on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during the Annual General Assembly (AGA) held in Abuja.
The body also approved the ECOWAS guidelines on borderless investigations, asset tracing, recovery, and management.
According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting and endorsed by representatives of all ECOWAS member states, Olukoyede and other Executive Committee members were re-elected for another three-year term after completing their first tenure.
Their renewal was based on consensus, following their performance and dedication to cross-border anti-corruption efforts within the region.
The Assembly further approved the adoption of the ECOWAS Guidelines on Borderless Investigations, Asset Tracing, Recovery, and Management, urging all member states to incorporate the framework into their national systems to promote unified implementation across West Africa.
In reaffirming its dedication to fighting corruption, the Assembly restated its support for the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
It encouraged stronger cooperation among national financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, and member institutions to improve asset recovery and information sharing.
The 7th AGA also coincided with ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, which participants described as a moment for renewed unity and regional collaboration.
Member states were urged to domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on anti-corruption measures within their respective countries to ensure alignment with regional objectives.
The communique called for continued partnership with civil society organizations, youth, and the media to strengthen advocacy and public participation in the anti-corruption campaign.
The Assembly expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the event and officially declaring it open on Tuesday, October 14, 2024.
During his opening address, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to classify resource theft, illegal mining, and mineral smuggling as international crimes due to their growing threat to the region’s peace and economic stability.
The General Assembly also approved the admission of new members into NACIWA, including Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau and the participation of CPC Cabo Verde as a new institutional member.
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