ANEEJ to Launch Policy Brief on Implementation of GFAR Principles in Nigeria’s Asset Recovery Process

Benin City, Edo State – April 14, 2025…. The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) is set to officially launch a new policy brief that assesses Nigeria’s implementation of key Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Principles in the return of recovered assets.

This landmark publication is the outcome of a six-month research project commissioned in October 2024, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The research examined the application of the GFAR Principles—particularly those related to transparency and accountability, inclusion of non-government stakeholders, return of assets to beneficiaries, and preclusion of benefit to offenders.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, announced that all preparations have been concluded to host the launch event.

“ANEEJ has been working on the research for about six months now, and we are happy to present the report to the public,” said Ugolor. “The research identified gaps in the current asset recovery process in Nigeria and provided actionable recommendations for improving future asset return agreements.”

He further noted ANEEJ’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders to implement the findings of the policy brief.

The launch event will convene key stakeholders, including the Hon. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; the Country Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); representatives of the FCDO; the Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Secretariat; anti-corruption agencies; the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority; and leading civil society organizations.

The research particularly evaluated Nigeria’s application of GFAR principles in managing high-profile recovered assets such as the $311.8 million Abacha loot from the Bailiwick of Jersey, which was repurposed for legacy projects, and the $954,807.40 Alamieyesiegha loot from the United States, returned to Bayelsa State.

This policy brief is expected to serve as a valuable tool for shaping future asset return frameworks in line with international standards and best practices.

For further information, please contact 08187674339 or info@aneej.org and follow us on twitter, Instagram and facebook: @aneejnigria, @Latakpu, aneej__nigeria and facebook.com/aneejnigeria