31 January 2008
Lagos — Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Michael Aondoakaa, has said a crime bill is in the offing, to enhance government's ability at detecting, tracing and recovery of proceeds of corruption and organised crime.
Aondoakaa said the Bill will include non-conviction-based confiscation, to complement existing conviction-based system, and ensure proper management of confiscated proceeds of crime.
He made this statement at the second session of the conference of states parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) held in Bali, Indonesia.
"Our objective is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the system in place, to deprive corrupt officials and offenders, including their families and associates, of the benefits of their crime. Of more importance is the aim of reinforcing public trust in the rule of law, protecting the economic value of seized assets and ensure investment of the assets for public good," he said.
According to the AGF, Nigeria has suffered from the damaging effects of corruption, including loss of billions of dollars to foreign accomplices; constituting the biggest impediment to its development.
Aondoakaa, however, noted that the return of democracy has increased government's commitment towards combating corruption; especially in the present democratic dispensation. "At the core of our commitment to fight corruption is an administration that has zero tolerance for corruption in all its ramifications and as a cardinal principle of governance. "Our broad and uncompromising anti -corruption strategy, which cuts across all sectors, is situated within structural reforms designed to lay a foundation for sustained economic growth and development for the country in the context of our vision 2020."
Meanwhile, government also urged the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), to enact a clear framework for the adoption of mechanisms for review of implementation of the Asset Recovery Chapter of the convention.
Aondoakaa said conference of the States Parties has a vital role to play in identifying the most effective means of overcoming existing legal obstacles to asset recovery, especially in requested states.
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