International Day to Combat Transnational Organized Crime: ANEEJ Calls for Global Action to Protect Vulnerable Communities

BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. NOVEMBER 15, 2024… On the inaugural International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a prominent advocate against corruption, poverty, and environmental injustice in Africa, calls for renewed global commitment and a comprehensive approach to address the pervasive threat of organised crime.

ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, emphasized the urgent need for global solidarity against transnational criminal networks, which destabilize economies, threaten peace, and hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is in line with this year’s theme, “Organized crime steals, corrupts, and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back.”

While acknowledging the importance of global awareness, Ugolor stressed that recognition alone is insufficient. He urged collective action to implement coordinated strategies capable of deterring and disrupting organized crime at all levels.

“Today, we acknowledge the global community’s commitment to recognize and address the threats posed by organised crime,” Ugolor stated. “While awareness of this issue is vital, it is only the beginning. We must transition from acknowledgement to action, collectively developing and supporting strategies that are robust enough to deter, disrupt, and prevent organized criminal activities,” Ugolor said.

He further highlighted ANEEJ’s role as a member of the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which  advocates for  policies that prioritize crime prevention, victim support, and justice system reforms and emphasized that “preventing organized crime cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires a global commitment to sharing knowledge, strategies, and resources.”

“Despite the world’s progress in shining the light on the far-reaching impacts of organized crime, from human trafficking and cybercrime to environmental exploitation, awareness alone is insufficient to curb these threats.” Ugolor underscored the urgency of collaborative action across civil society, governments, and international organizations to implement strategic measures, particularly prevention-focused approaches which has been proven to bolster community resilience and protect those most vulnerable to exploitation by organized criminal groups.

“At ANEEJ, we champion the ‘Prevent’ approach, which targets the root causes of vulnerability in society,” he added. “This approach identifies vulnerable individuals in communities, primarily unemployed youth facing poverty, and intervenes early to provide alternative pathways to meaningful livelihoods. In countries like Nigeria, where youth unemployment is high and organized crime preys on desperation, the need for preventive support has never been greater.”

Through the Brighter Futures Project implemented in partnership with TAG International and supported by the UK Home Office, ANEEJ has empowered communities, particularly youth, by offering opportunities that build resilience and deter involvement in crime. This initiative includes livelihood support schemes, IT skills training, sports empowerment programs, and mentorship sessions, all aimed at fostering safer communities and reducing the allure of organized crime.

ANEEJ is also calling on the Nigerian government to accelerate the passage of critical anti-corruption legislation, such as the Whistleblower Protection and Management Bill. This legislation would provide stronger protections for individuals who report criminal activities, thereby supporting national efforts to dismantle organized crime networks.

Ugolor highlighted the importance of the Whistleblower Protection Bill, which has been stalled in the National Assembly since 2017. Without this law, Nigeria lacks a robust framework to protect whistleblowers, leaving individuals especially those outside the government vulnerable to retaliation. “Passing the Whistleblower Protection Bill is essential to protect the courageous voices who expose corruption and fraud,” Ugolor stressed. “Every day without it, brave individuals risk their livelihoods and lives to uphold our nation’s integrity. We urge the National Assembly to make this a priority and affirm Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitment.”

On this historic day, ANEEJ calls on governments, civil society, and communities worldwide to unite, strengthen preventive measures, and work tirelessly to dismantle the structures that allow organized crime to thrive. “Together, let us turn commitment into collective action and ensure that no community, family, or individual becomes a victim of transnational organized crime,” Ugolor stated.