It is a great honour to address this august gathering of practitioners and policymakers united by a common cause: the pursuit of integrity, transparency, and justice across our sub-region. I therefore bring you warm greetings and deep appreciation as we gather to deliberate on a subject that is not only urgent but existential to our region. The theme before us, “A United ECOWAS Against Corruption,” speaks to the heart of Africa’s struggle for integrity, development, and dignity. An African proverb reminds us: “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” If we build deep roots of collaboration, no storm of corruption can uproot us.

In this address, I draw on African proverbs — the timeless wisdom of our ancestors — to remind us that the fight against corruption is not only legal but moral and cultural. These proverbs capture the essence of integrity, accountability, and collective responsibility, values that must guide our regional cooperation. By invoking them, we affirm that the same moral compass that anchored our past must now steer our united stand against corruption and our shared pursuit of transparent governance across West Africa.

Corruption is not confined by national or territorial borders. It flows like water, always finding the weakest cracks. Funds stolen in one country are hidden in another; networks of crime weave across jurisdictions. As the Yoruba say: “Agbajọ ọwọ la fi n sọ aya, ọwọ kan kò gbérù d’ori.”  (“It is with joined hands that we beat our chest; one hand alone cannot lift a heavy load.”) Individually, our nations can chase corruption. But collectively, we can corner it, choke it, and recover what has been lost.

The establishment of NACIWA in 2010 was itself an act of wisdom. Step by step, we have built frameworks, protocols, and cooperation. ECOWAS has given us the legal tools; some member states have already made progress in asset recovery and beneficial ownership transparency. Yet, strength is overcome only when people act together. Our partial progress must now become a collective triumph.

We cannot however shy away from challenges such as:

• Uneven laws on asset recovery.
• Weak cooperation on mutual legal assistance.
• Gaps in judicial collaboration.
• Limited funding and independence for our anti-corruption bodies.
• Political interference in sensitive cases.

As the Akan of Ghana remind us: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” If we tolerate corruption in our systems, we invite decay from within. But by aligning our national efforts with regional commitments, and our regional commitments with global standards, we can deliver a future where public office truly serves the public good.

To strengthen our regional collaboration and asset recovery efforts, I propose:

• Harmonisation of Laws – Let us domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption so that thieves find no hiding place. “The child who says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep.” So too, the corrupt who disturb the peace of nations must not find rest across borders.

• Practical Guidelines and Institutions – An ECOWAS Regional Task Force on Asset Recovery, supported by NACIWA, to coordinate investigations and exchange of intelligence. “When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion.” (Ethiopian proverb).

• Trusted Information Channels – Build secure, rapid, confidential platforms for intelligence and asset tracing. “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one person can embrace it.”  Each country holds a piece of the information puzzle; together, we can see the full picture.

• Capacity Building – Equip investigators, prosecutors, and judges with forensic, digital, and financial skills. “Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.”

• Independence and Resources – Our anti-corruption institutions must not go begging for resources or protection. “The goat eats where it is tied.” (African proverb) — if we starve our institutions, they will be unable to resist corruption.

• Engaging Citizens, Media, and Civil Society – Because corruption is a social disease, not just a government one. “The lizard that nods in the heat of the sun does not do so without cause.”  — Corruption always leaves a trace, and citizens can help us see it.

We lose billions every year to illicit financial flows. These are funds that could have built hospitals, schools, roads, and created jobs for our restless youth.

As the Swahili say: “When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

When leaders and officials plunder resources, it is ordinary citizens who pay the price in poverty and instability. But the good news is: recovered assets can rebuild trust. Every naira, cedi, or franc we bring back is not just money — it is hope restored, dignity returned, and faith in government renewed.

I therefore call on:

1. Member States: Ratify, implement, and enforce ECOWAS anti-corruption and asset recovery protocols without delay. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  We don’t have any other option than to go together to go far.

1. ECOWAS Commission: Provide resources, political support, and coordination for cross-border collaboration.

1. Anti-Corruption Institutions: Work with courage and integrity; share intelligence swiftly; learn from one another.

1. Civil Society & Media: Stay vigilant, amplify citizen voices, and hold us accountable. An African proverb says, “The rope of lies is short.” Let this remind us that integrity will ultimately triumph.

• International Partners: Return stolen assets transparently and help us build systems to prevent re-looting.

Before I conclude this remark, please permit me to acknowledge and commend the distinguished leadership of Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the President of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) and the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr. Olukoyede’s emergence as President of NACIWA is not only a recognition of his personal integrity, professional excellence, and commitment to the fight against corruption, but also a testament to the confidence of the entire West African subregion in Nigeria’s continuing leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Under his stewardship, NACIWA has continued to demonstrate renewed vigor and purpose in coordinating regional efforts against corruption — fostering cooperation, information sharing, and the development of home-grown solutions that reflect our African realities. His visionary leadership embodies the African proverb that says, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must also change.” Indeed, his tenure has brought a new rhythm of innovation, collaboration, and integrity to the anti-corruption crusade across West Africa.

As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I wish to place on record the strong support of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the noble work of NACIWA under his capable leadership. As you will recall, my principal, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, graciously approved the donation of a choice property in the eyebrow area of the Federal Capital Territory as the Secretariat for NICAWA. Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to a corruption-free region where justice, equity, and accountability form the bedrock of governance.

Mr. President, we commend your dedication, and we are confident that under your presidency, NACIWA will continue to grow stronger and more effective in its mission to promote integrity and uphold the rule of law across the West African subregion.

 Conclusion

My brothers and sisters, corruption is a stubborn tree with roots deep in our soil. But as another proverb teaches: “No matter how tall a tree is, it will one day fall to the axe.” Let us sharpen our regional axe of unity, cooperation, and information-sharing, so that together we fell the tree of corruption and plant in its place the tree of justice. The destiny of West Africa is too precious to be stolen. The wealth of our people is too sacred to be squandered. And the hope of our children is too bright to be dimmed by corruption.

May this assembly mark a turning point where ECOWAS shows the world that Africa does not merely lament corruption — we unite to defeat it.

Thank you.