Today marks the first-ever International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/267. This celebration underscores the urgent need for collective action against transnational organized crime, which continues to undermine peace, security, and progress of nations.
In Nigeria, the impact of transnational organized crime is evident in the growing threats posed by non-state actors involved in terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime. These activities have not only destabilized communities, but have also eroded public trust, compromised governance, and hindered economic development.
The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) joins the global community to commemorate this important day; as we reiterate our commitment to efforts at countering organized crime through sustained advocacy, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. On this auspicious day, we call the attention of stakeholders to the importance of strengthening partnerships among governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international partners to dismantle criminal networks, and enhance the capacity of law enforcement and judicial systems to investigate and prosecute cases effectively. Governments must equally work to address socio-economic factors such as unemployment, poverty, and poor governance, which create enabling environments for organized crime.
As part of our efforts in the fight against organized crime, the Center, in 2023, took a bold step by organizing its first Symposium on Countering Organized Crime in Africa, which brought together experts, policymakers, and civil society actors to deliberate on practical strategies to address this pervasive issue.
Today, we renew our call for a unified front against transnational organized crime; and we call for deeper commitment and collaborative efforts to disrupt the financial, operational, and social frameworks enabling organized crime. Again, the fight against transnational organized crime is critical to achieving a peaceful, secure, and prosperous society, and success will require a united, strategic, and sustainable approach.
Join us today as we embark on this important journey of “Pulling Together to Push Back: United Against Organized Crime.”
Signed:
Victor Agi
Public Relations