By Emem Idio, Yenagoa 

Bayelsa based Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, under the aegis of Bayelsa NGOs Forum, BANKOF, have been tasked on the need to develop monitoring and advocacy tools that will empower them to effectively track returned assets and ensure they are used for public benefit.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on “Strengthening Civil Society Engagement in Asset Restitution and Monitoring”, held from September 25-26, 2025 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, convened under the auspices of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, the Executive Director ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, emphasized the importance of building the capacity of CSOs to understand the legal framework guiding assets recovery and management.

He stressed that the engagement is aimed at fostering collaboration between CSOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure transparent and accountable asset restitution processes.

Ugolor said: ‘”The African Union estimates that the continent loses approximately $150 billion annually to IFFs with Nigeria accounting for a disproportionate share. Between 2001 and 2010, Nigeria reportedly lost about $40 billion, and current figures suggest that nearly 20% of Africa’s annual losses to IFFs are linked to Nigeria.

“Yet despite these daunting figures, there has been commendable progress in the recovery of stolen assets, both domestically and internationally. This has been made possible through legal reforms, institutional collaboration, and commitments such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the London Anti -Corruption Summit, and the Global Forum on Assets Recovery (GAFAR) Principles.

In a declaration of commitment and action, the stakeholders in a communique titled: “The Yenagoa Declaration” signed by Rev David Ugolor,.ANEEJ Executive Director, Dr Preye Inebaranton, media representative, Inatimi Adio,. representing Bayelsa NGOs Forum, BANKOF, and HRH David Osena, community representatives, stated:

“We commit to improving the institutional capacity of civil society actors to meet legal registration and procurement compliance standards, enabling them to participate meaningfully in asset monitoring and project implementation.

“We recognize the need for structured and sustained collaboration between CSOs and relevant government institutions at both the federal and state levels to enhance transparency, build public trust, and ensure effective utilization of recovered assets.

“We affirm the critical role of local communities and grassroots organizations in the oversight of returned assets, and call for their inclusion in monitoring, reporting, and evaluation mechanisms.

“We support the ongoing procurement processes tied to the Alamieyeseigha’s asset recovered from the United States, designated for primary healthcare in Bayelsa State, and commit to advocating for transparency in all subsequent steps, including direct procurement, pending the decision of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“Sustaining Public Awareness and Media Engagement. We recognize the importance of the media and civil society in sustaining public awareness, and pledge to work together to provide timely, factual information to citizens on the status and impact of recovered funds.

Framework of Action (October – December 2025)”

The communique further tasks the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, to ensure that transparency, fairness, and accountability are upheld in ongoing.and future procurement processes related to recovered funds, and the media to maintain its vigilance in educating the public and promoting transparency around returned assets.