The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development has successfully concluded a comprehensive Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Workshop on the effective implementation of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 (POCA). The programme, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), equips key Nigerian law enforcement and regulatory agencies with the technical capacity required to operationalise POCA and advance national asset recovery objectives.
Held as a hybrid format 19, 26, November 2025 (virtual) and 1–3 December 2025 (onsite), the training brought together 24 officers from 11 critical agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic In Persons (NAPTIP), Director of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The initiative directly responded to gaps identified during the September 2025 Technical Needs Assessment and supported recommendations from the May 2025 National Asset Recovery Summit calling for system-wide capacity strengthening.
Advancing National Compliance and Institutional Readiness
In the opening remarks, Madam Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Executive Director of the African Center, highlighted the importance of the programme in consolidating Nigeria’s recent progress in anti-corruption reforms, including the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. She noted that sustained capacity development remains essential to effective implementation of POCA, and to improving asset tracing, recovery, management, and cross-border cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Mr. Jehanzeb Khan commended the participating agencies and reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat illicit financial flows. He also appreciated the EFCC for hosting the onsite sessions and acknowledged the African Center’s leadership in delivering the programme.
Robust Technical Curriculum Delivered by Multidisciplinary Experts
The workshop featured rigorous and hands-on practical sessions delivered by Nigerian and international experts, including senior judges, asset recovery specialists from Jersey and the UK, and practitioners in financial intelligence and investigative interviewing. Sessions focused on:
Key focus areas include the operational interpretation of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) and its institutional implications; strategies for evidence-led financial investigations; non-conviction-based asset forfeiture; Mutual Legal Assistance drafting and cross-border cooperation; crypto and virtual asset tracing; chain-of-custody management and courtroom preparedness; ethical interviewing using the PEACE model; and effective instructional delivery grounded in adult learning techniques.
Participants also engaged in mock trials, practical case exercises, and cross-agency collaboration using landmark recovery cases to enhance applied learning.
Addressing Implementation Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
Participants noted several institutional challenges that may affect POCA implementation, including limited funding for complex investigations, digital forensic constraints, uneven internal training structures, and the need for judicial sensitisation. The African Center and FCDO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting agencies in addressing these issues through technical assistance, coordination support, and resource mobilisation.
To sustain momentum, all trainees have been integrated into the Asset Recovery Network—a platform established by the African Center to foster collaboration, enhance continuous learning, and harmonise approaches across agencies. Quarterly coordination meetings will monitor progress and track the impact of cascade trainings.
Conclusion
The African Center commends all participating agencies for their dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery architecture. With the enhanced capacity gained through this programme, Nigeria is poised to make measurable progress in POCA implementation, increase the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions, and deepen transparency in the management of recovered assets.
Through ongoing collaboration with national and international partners, the African Center remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s leadership in combating corruption and illicit financial flows.
For media inquiries:
African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development
Email: info@africancenterdev.org
Website: https://africancenterdev.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@africenterdev
