Nigeria: Nigeria urged to ratify AU convention
As African Heads of State converged in Syrte, Libya to begin their two-day meeting, Independent Advocacy Project (IAP), the good governance group, again called on the federal government to seize the opportunity presented by this meeting to ratify and begin putting in place structures that would allow for effective implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption which was adopted last July. In a statement released in Lagos, IAP says signing and ratifying the Convention will compliment Nigeria's efforts under the Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) which is part of the monitoring process of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Nigeria has voluntarily submitted itself to be reviewed under the APRM.
PRESS STATEMENT
NOT FOR RELEASE BEFORE 6:00 GMT, 27 FEB 2004
Media Contact: Bunmi Titiloye
Tel: 234(0)8033020170
Email:[email protected]
WHY NIGERIA SHOULD RATIFY THE AU CONVENTION - IAP
LAGOS, 27 February 2004: As African Heads of State converge today in
Syrte, Libya to begin their two-day meeting, Independent Advocacy
Project (IAP), the good governance group, has again called on the
federal government to seize the opportunity presented by this meeting
to ratify and begin putting in place structures that would allow for
effective implementation of the African Union Convention on
Preventing and Combating Corruption which was adopted last July.
In a statement released yesterday in Lagos, IAP says signing and
ratifying the Convention will compliment Nigeria’s efforts under the
Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) which is part of the monitoring process
of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Nigeria has
voluntarily submitted itself to be reviewed under the APRM.
Non ratification of the Convention may adversely affect the voluntary
governance review as the domestication of the Convention is a key
governance indicator within the APRM process. Besides, the Convention
contains useful provisions on Access to Information, Political Party
Financing, Repatriation of Stolen Assets and Money Laundering; which
are essential elements in the fight against corruption.
Says the good governance group: “Incorporating the AU Convention into
Nigerian laws will assist Nigeria in its renewed fight against the
notorious Advance Fee Fraud and other economic crimes which have in
recent years tarnished the country’s image. This is especially
important at this time when Nigerians seem to be taking seriously
efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”
Nigeria is among the 21 African countries that have signed but are
yet to ratify the AU Convention, which requires 15 ratifications to
come into force.
http://www.ind-advocacy-project.org/Press%20Statements.htm
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Independent Advocacy Project (IAP)
5 Iyalla Street, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria.
234 8033020170 Fax: 2341 4934894
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.ind-advocacy-project.org