FG & RUSSIA DEEPEN ANTI-CORRUPTION COOPERATION

The Federal Government of Nigeria and Russia are exploring stronger cooperation in the fight against corruption, with emphasis on knowledge-sharing, institutional reforms, financial investigations and the recovery of illicit assets.

The discussions took place during the Fourth Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) International Diplomatic Dialogue held in Abuja and organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, said Nigeria could benefit from Russia’s experience in anti-corruption legislation, institutional reforms and enforcement mechanisms, while stressing that lessons from the engagement should translate into practical measures that strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust.  

Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Igor Ivannikov, outlined measures within Russia’s anti-corruption framework, including income and property declarations, conflict-of-interest controls, legislative reviews and electronic public procurement.

He also proposed closer professional cooperation between Nigerian and Russian authorities in financial investigations, tracing illicit funds, asset recovery, public procurement risk assessment, conflict-of-interest monitoring and capacity building.  

Ivannikov noted that Nigeria and Russia already have a legal basis for cooperation, following the signing of a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters in 2018.

The engagement is expected to provide opportunities for further institutional and professional exchanges as Nigeria strengthens international cooperation in the investigation and recovery of proceeds of corruption.