CeFTPI calls for strong action on Nigeria’s crime strategy

The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) is pushing for proper action on Nigeria’s first National Strategy for Combating Organised Crime (2027, 2031).

In a statement on Tuesday, the Executive Director of CeFTPI, Umar Yakubu, said there should be a clear timeline and openness for the Strategy. He mentioned that the strategy will not work well unless it is “supported by clear implementation timelines, measurable performance indicators, adequate resourcing, transparent reporting and independent monitoring.”

“Regular assessment of progress will be essential to ensuring that commitments translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and disrupt organised criminal networks,” CeFTPI added.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, launched the Strategy on Monday. This five-year plan aims to break down organised crime in Nigeria. It will help in fighting “terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, maritime crime, corruption and illicit financial flows,” Mr Ribadu stated.

In Tuesday’s statement, CeFTPI welcomed the strategy as a positive step given Nigeria’s rising security issues. However, they pointed out that interagency teamwork and responsible security spending are necessary. “CeFTPI considers the new National Strategy a significant opportunity to move from fragmented responses towards a more coordinated and accountable national approach.”

CeFTPI also mentioned its previous efforts, like the International Symposium on Countering Organised Crime in Africa held in 2023. This event led to 16 policy recommendations focused on boosting teamwork, financial intelligence, law enforcement, accountability, and resilience. The Centre also reviewed these suggestions, which pointed out gaps and challenges in 2026.

Through its Organised Crime Resilience Initiative (OCRI) Policy Brief, CeFTPI stressed the need for measurable actions to fight organised crime. Organised crime in Nigeria keeps changing, which has caused many families to lose their livelihoods.

These situations show why CeFTPI is calling for effective action on the newly launched Strategy to fight organised crimes in Nigeria.