Tinubu urges ECOWAS to classify resource theft as int’l crime

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to classify resource theft—including illegal mining and the stealing of minerals—as an international crime, warning that it threatens the peace and stability of the region.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu made the call at the 2025 Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.

He urged the regional bloc to rally international support against the growing trade in stolen minerals from West Africa, noting that illicit financial flows and illegal mining have fueled insecurity and violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and the proliferation of arms.

“No country can win this battle alone,” Tinubu warned, stressing that stronger regional collaboration through NACIWA was essential to fight corruption and its consequences.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to asset recovery, highlighting that the country has adopted a new legal framework for tracing and managing recovered assets. He commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under its chairman, Ola Olukoyede—who also serves as NACIWA President—for its “prolific record” in recovering stolen funds.

Tinubu revealed that part of the recovered proceeds of crime had been used to finance key social initiatives, including the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, both launched with an initial injection of ₦100 billion.

“These programmes are empowering students and easing financial pressure on working Nigerians,” he said.

The President urged delegates to strengthen anti-money laundering systems, enhance financial intelligence sharing, and promote transparency in the extractive sector to improve regional resilience.

“We need a shift from rhetoric to concrete action to realize ECOWAS’ vision of collective prosperity and good governance,” Tinubu said, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional unity.

He then declared the 2025 NACIWA General Assembly open.