The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has called for an effective implementation of Nigeria’s first National Strategy for Combating Organised Crime (2027–2031).
In a statement on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the CeFTPI, Umar Yakubu, said the there was a need for a clear timeline and transparency for the implementation of the strategy.
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He added that the strategy must be “supported by clear implementation timelines, measurable performance indicators, adequate resourcing, transparent reporting and independent monitoring” for it to be effective.
“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,” the CeTPI said.
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According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, launched the Strategy on Monday.
The strategy, a five-year-long plan, is aimed at dismantling organised criminal activities in Nigeria.
It serves as a framework to combat “terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, maritime crime, corruption and illicit financial flows,” Mr Ribadu said.
The CeFTPI in Tuesday’s statement hailed the strategy as a welcome development in the face of Nigeria’s growing security challenges, but stressed the need for interagency coordination and accountable security spending.
“CeFTPI considers the new National Strategy a significant opportunity to move from fragmented responses towards a more coordinated and accountable national approach.”
It noted its past efforts, such as the International Symposium on Countering Organised Crime in Africa held in 2023, which produced 16 policy “recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, financial intelligence, law enforcement, accountability and resilience.”
The Centre also assessed the recommendations, which highlighted gaps and challenges in 2026.
Through its Organised Crime Resilience Initiative (OCRI) Policy Brief, CeFTPI identified the need for measurable implementation to combat organised crime.
Organised crime in Nigeria has continued to evolve, leading to loss of livelihoods for many families.
For instance, in December 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 suspects, including Nigerian, Chinese, Arab and Filipino nationals allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams.
In 2025, several Nigerians lost billions to the collapsed digital investment platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
In January, the EFCC disclosed a new wave of investment scams and fraudulent air ticket discount packages through which hundreds of Nigerians have also been defrauded of billions of naira.
These occurrences highlight the need for CeFTPI’s call for effective implementation of the recently launched Strategy to curb organised crimes in Nigeria.
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