The National President of the Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, has listed various impediments to combating organised crime across Africa.
Speaking today, October 24, at the opening of a two-day international symposium on countering organised crime in Africa, held in Abuja, Ambassador Okafor said that such impediments including weak institutions, lack of collaboration, poor planning, inadequate management, insufficient accountability and inadequate involvement of stakeholders.
According to him, such impediments often lead to stunted economic growth, poverty, unemployment and insecurity.
Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, who chaired the occasion, stressed the necessity of developing a robust agenda aimed at establishing strong and resilient institutions and enhanced collaboration that can effectively counter organised crimes, provide remedies for victims, and ensure accountability.
Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch making his remarks…
Highlighting the timeliness and importance of the symposium’s theme, he emphasized its relevance to the survival and prosperity of Africa and stressed the urgent need to address the challenges posed by organised crime.
He insisted that strong institutions are the bedrock of tackling organised crime effectively.
Commending the symposium’s organizers, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, Ambassador Okafor said that the insecurity resulting from organised crime hinders economic growth and integration across Africa.
He applauded the symposium’s focus on building relevant, resilient, and sustainable institutions to address this pressing issue.
Ambassador Okafor emphasized that organised crime is a global challenge, requiring a coordinated response from various stakeholders, including security agencies, governments, and the media.
He stressed the need for holistic approaches, encompassing law enforcement, prevention, community engagement, socio-economic development, and advocacy, to address root causes of organised crime and promote value reorientation.
He advised on the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to enhance law enforcement capabilities and cross-border cooperation against organized crime in Africa.
The AANI President said that the organization is making efforts in advocacy and sensitization to promote attitudinal change, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
He added that AANI is committed to partnering with organizations like the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch and other NGOs to provide indigenous solutions to emerging developmental challenges such as organised crime in Africa.
He reiterated the call on all African countries to confront organised crime head-on, prioritizing long-term stability, inclusive development, poverty reduction, and governance enhancement.
He encouraged stakeholders to commit to collaborative efforts, ensuring the rule of law and fostering a secure and prosperous future for the people of Africa.
The Alumni Association of the National Institute, comprising accomplished individuals who have graduated from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, is dedicated to promoting national development, and unity, and advancing Nigeria’s interests.
