Public servants must be above board in asset Recovery and Management— Solicitor-General of the Federation and Perm Sec
UYO, AKWA-IBOM STATE, NIGERIA. February 13, 2026 – The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba has reminded public servants entrusted with sensitive responsibilities such as asset recovery that they must be above board signposted by integrity, professionalism, and accountability, noting that “the credibility of the Ministry and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria depends significantly on how effectively and transparently staff of the ministry carry out functions.”
Declaring a two-day retreat organized by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ with funding from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Organisation (FCDO) for staff of the Asset Recovery and Management/ the International Cooperation Units of the Ministry taking place 13-14 February, 2026 in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, the Solicitor-General of the Federation noted that “the Federal Ministry of Justice occupies a strategic position in this national effort, and the expectations placed upon us as a Unit are significant.”
Represented by the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit, Mr. T. F. Ali-Bozi, the Solicitor-General further stated that “asset recovery remains a critical pillar in the fight against corruption and economic crimes. It is not merely about tracing and confiscating proceeds of crime; it is about restoring public confidence, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that recovered assets are managed transparently and effectively for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”
She underscored the importance of the role of international cooperation in facilitating mutual legal assistance, extradition, and cross-border recovery of assets. “In an increasingly interconnected world, proceeds of crime are concealed across jurisdictions. Our effectiveness therefore depends largely on strong collaboration, technical competence, and strict adherence to international best practices and treaty obligations.”
She noted that the retreat is designed to provide a platform for honest engagement, knowledge sharing, and capacity strengthening which is an opportunity to examine our operational challenges, inter-departmental coordination, and enhance compliance with the legal and institutional frameworks guiding our work including relevant provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, and applicable International Conventions.
The Solicitor-General expressed the ministry’s appreciation to the Foreign, Commonwealth Office (FCDO) and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), for their generous support in sponsoring this retreat
Earlier in a an address of welcome at the retreat, ANEEJ Executive Director, the Rev David Ugolor commended the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Justice, particularly ARMU and the International Cooperation Department, for theirunwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery and management architecture noting that the retreat, provides an important opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and strengthen coordination for the effective operationalisation of POCA in line with Nigeria’s obligations under UNCAC and FATF standards.
The ANEEJ Executive Director who was represented by his Deputy, Leo Atakpu, further stated that asset recovery is not merely a legal or technical exercise, but also fundamentally about justice, accountability, and development.
“Every naira lost to corruption, illicit financial flows, and money laundering represents a school not built, a hospital not equipped, a road not completed, and livelihoods not supported. Effective asset recovery therefore sits at the intersection of anti-corruption, public financial management, and national development,” Ugolor asserted.
He recalled that ANEEJ’s engagement in this space is rooted in over two decades of advocacy and monitoring work on asset recovery. “Through our ongoing FCDO-supported Illicit Financial Flows project, we have worked closely with institutions to promote transparency, inter-agency collaboration, and accountability in the recovery and management of stolen assets. Our work has included monitoring of repatriated assets, engagement with the Asset Recovery and Management Unit, collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, and advocacy for stronger compliance with global standard,” The ANEEJ helmsman said.
Fifteen staff of the Ministry drawn from the ARMU and International Development Cooperation unit are taking part in the two days retreat which continues tomorrow.
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