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THE AFRICAN CENTER FOR GOVERNANCE, ASSET RECOVERY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

AML_CFT_CPF Sensitization Workshop for Judiciary

On March 5, 2025, the African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery & Sustainable Development (African Centre) hosted a One-Day Sensitization Workshop on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Countering Proliferation Financing (CPF) Risk Assessment for the Judiciary. Held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, the event aimed to enhance the capacity of judicial officers in handling financial crime cases effectively, ensuring alignment with international best practices. The workshop was timely, as Nigeria continues its efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. Strengthening the judiciary’s role in enforcing AML/CFT laws is […]

African Center reports on FATF Plenary 2025 and Key Decisions on Financial Inclusion, Cybercrime, and Jurisdiction Monitoring

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) convened its second Plenary under the leadership of President Elisa de Anda Madrazo from Mexico, concluding on February 21, 2025. Delegates from over 200 jurisdictions and international organizations engaged in three days of in-depth discussions, resulting in several pivotal decisions to strengthen global financial integrity. Highlights of the first 2025 Plenary include decisions on issues set out below: Enhancing Financial Inclusion through Revised Standards A significant outcome of the Plenary was the agreement to amend the FATF Standards to better support a risk-based approach and promote financial inclusion. This initiative, a cornerstone of the […]

African Union 2025 Summit Examines Reparatory Justice for Africa

With Contributions from Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Nnenna Eze and Emmanuela OkonkwoAbutu As the African Union (AU) 38th Summit is going on in Addis Ababa, discussions on reparatory justice are gaining momentum. While the debate often focuses on reparations for slavery, historical crimes, and land restitution, there is an urgent need to broaden this conversation to include the recovery and return of proceeds from crime. Illicit financial flows as identified in the Mbeki 2015 High-Level Report and criminal proceeds embezzled from public funds as reflected in the stolen asset recovery initiative have long deprived Africa of crucial resources needed for development, perpetuating […]

Department Of Justice Disbands Anti-Corruption Task Force, Redirects Seized Funds

U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi announced the disbandment of the Department Of Justice ’s anti-corruption task force in a memorandum on Wednesday 5 February 2025 – sending shockwaves across the international community. The disbandment is significant because it extended to the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative and KleptoCapture Task Force where most of the international asset forfeiture unit and resources are housed. The announcement noted that seized funds, previously returned to victim countries, will now be used to build detention centers in Texas and Guantanamo Bay. AG Pam Bondi claimed that the decision aligns with Trump’s Executive Order targeting cartels […]

Commonwealth Lawyers Association Statement on Abductions and Torture in East Africa

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has issued a statement addressing the concerning rise of abductions and torture in East Africa. This statement highlights key human rights violations and calls for urgent action to uphold the rule of law. Read the full statement here: https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/statement/cla-statement-on-abductions-and-torture-in-east-africa/

The Galactica Asset Return Agreement – Why Third Party Monitor is Critical

Ensuring that $52.88m Forfeited Funds from the Galactica Asset Return Supports Rural Electrification and Anti-Terrorism Efforts in Nigeria Depends on the Accountability of Implementing Institutions: Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Postgraduate Researcher, School of Law, Politics and Sociology, University of Sussex Introduction On 10 January 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the United States of America (U.S.) signed an agreement for the return of assets valued at $52.88m. […]

Policy Brief on The Nigerian Legal Sector AML/CFT/PF Risk Assessment

Our Publications Resources / Our Publications POLICY BRIEF ON THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SECTOR AML/CFT/PF RISK ASSESSMENT The “Policy Brief on the Nigerian Legal Sector AML/CFT/PF Risk Assessment” explores the vulnerabilities of Nigerian legal professionals to financial crimes, such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. Conducted by the NBA Anti-Money Laundering Committee, the study involved extensive surveys and workshops, revealing gaps in awareness, compliance policies, and resources among law firms, particularly smaller practices. Key findings highlight the ethical dilemma between client confidentiality and AML obligations, inadequate adoption of compliance frameworks, and disparities in compliance resources. The report recommends mandatory […]

The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery, and Sustainable Development (“the African Center”) is an independent civil society organisation based in Nigeria. We work to institute good governance and accountability systems at the local, state, and federal levels of government. We pay particular attention to Goal 16, which aims to create solid institutional foundations for sustainable development.

Improving Government Accountability

The Recovery and Return of Stolen Assets

The Implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Vision

We envision a world free from illicit financial flows, where proceeds of crime are recovered and returned to the victims of corruption to improve livelihood and reduce poverty and inequality.

Mission

Our mission is to reinforce the links between governance, asset recovery, and sustainable development goals in line with Agenda 2030 and the promotion of the rule of law, strengthening justice institutions, preventing illicit financial flows, recovering stolen assets, and social reuse of stolen assets.