Abuja, Nigeria, 4 June 2018 – To win the fight against corruption in Africa based on AU’s theme for the year 2018 on ‘winning the fight against corruption: A sustainable path to Africa’s transformation’, the APRM National Secretariat Nigeria, organised a high level consultative meeting on corruption themed ‘Break the corruption chain’ on the 4th of June 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The meeting had experts and delegates from the African Peer Review Mechanism, Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Non-Governmental Organisations, the civil society organisations, the private sector, anti-corruption agencies, Ministry of Justice, African Union (AU) Member States, Embassies, Security agencies, financial institutions amongst others.

The objective of the consultative meeting was to brainstorm and share experiences on how best to tackle corruption on the African continent. In addition, the purpose of the meeting was to create awareness of the APRM and its fight against corruption in Africa, seek collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders as well as draft a communique that will be presented to the APRM continental secretariat for follow up at the regional and continental levels.

The meeting started with opening remarks from Hon Princess Gloria Akobundu, the CEO of the APRM National Secretariat Nigeria; the key note address from Mr Ibrahim Magu, Ag. Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; and statements from Ms Mary Agbebaku-Izobo, Legal Advisor of the APRM Continental Secretariat; Prof Al-Amin Abumanga, member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons; and Prof Bolaji Owasonoye, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against corruption (PACAC).

At the end of the consultative meeting, the following were recommended:

1. There is the need to develop effective and sustainable strategies to tackle corruption on the continent
2. Ensure peer learning and draw up continental operational best practices to win the war against corruption
3. Develop a framework for guidance and support to the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption in the implementation of the AU theme of the year.