ANEEJ trains journalists to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has conducted a two-day training workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to equip journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) with tools to combat illicit financial flows (IFFs) in Nigeria.

Supported by the European Union under the SecFin Africa programme, the workshop aimed to strengthen investigative reporting and enhance understanding of the legal and institutional frameworks used to address financial crimes. ANEEJ Executive Director David Ugolor stated that IFFs, driven by corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and procurement fraud, act as persistent obstacles to Nigeria’s development by diverting resources from critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Ugolor highlighted that the consequences of these diverted funds are felt by ordinary citizens through inadequate public services. He cited the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road project as a potential example of financial irregularity, noting allegations of N14 billion being diverted from the project, though this claim has not been independently verified.