ANEEJ Welcomes the United Kingdom’s 2026 Anti-Corruption Strategy, Calls for Deepened Collaboration with the Global South
ABUJA, NIGERIA. December 10, 2025 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) warmly welcomes the release of the United Kingdom’s Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026, a forward-looking framework that strengthens global action against corruption, illicit financial flows (IFFs), and governance failures. The Strategy demonstrates renewed UK leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and international cooperation at a time when coordinated global responses are urgently needed.
The 2026 Strategy places strong emphasis on bolstering global standards, enhancing enforcement against illicit finance, protecting civic actors, and expanding partnerships with countries across the Global South. It outlines commitments to reinforce FATF recommendations, strengthen beneficial ownership transparency, combat kleptocracy, and support robust asset recovery arrangements that prioritize accountability and public benefit.
Speaking on the release of the Strategy, Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, stated: “The UK Anti-Corruption Strategy 2026 represents a major step forward in global efforts to curb corruption and illicit financial flows. We particularly welcome the UK Government’s commitment to work closely with Global South countries, including Nigeria, to strengthen institutions, improve transparency, and protect civil society actors who are vital to the anti-corruption movement. This Strategy demonstrates the level of international leadership required to restore public confidence and deliver reforms that truly benefit citizens.”
ANEEJ also welcomes the UK’s commitment to host the 2026 Counter-Illicit Finance Summit, which will provide a critical platform for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners to advance coordinated responses to illicit finance. Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by IFFs, particularly through the extractive sector, weak cross-border enforcement, and opacity in financial systems. ANEEJ views the upcoming Summit as an opportunity for the Nigerian government and civil society to influence global policy direction and to deepen bilateral cooperation with the UK.
Rev. Ugolor further noted: “Illicit financial flows continue to undermine economic development across Africa, eroding public revenues and entrenching poverty. The UK’s renewed commitment to countering illicit finance—through strengthened global frameworks, improved regulatory enforcement, and meaningful civil society engagement—is timely and deeply encouraging. We look forward to working closely with UK partners to translate this Strategy into real impact, including through Nigeria’s participation in the forthcoming 2026 Counter-Illicit Finance Summit.”
ANEEJ reiterates its support for the joint statement issued by the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition, Spotlight on Corruption, and the FACT Coalition, which underscores the importance of sustained UK leadership on anti-corruption reforms.
As Nigeria consolidates gains from its recent removal from the FATF Grey List, the UK’s 2026 Strategy provides a strong foundation for collaborative interventions that strengthen regulatory compliance, promote transparent asset recovery, and expand civic participation in governance.
ANEEJ stands ready to work with the UK Government, Nigerian authorities, civil society organisations, and international partners to advance the shared goal of reducing illicit finance and ensuring that recovered assets meaningfully benefit citizens.
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