Tinubu Calls for Resource Theft to Be Declared an International Crime

By Afolabi Nelson

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged ECOWAS to classify resource theft including illegal mining and mineral smugglingas an international crime, warning that it threatens peace and stability in West Africa.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 2025 NACIWA General Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu said the region must unite and seek global support to end the trade in stolen minerals.

He noted that illegal mining and illicit financial flows fuel insecurity, arms proliferation, kidnapping, and banditry. The President stressed that no country can fight these crimes alone, calling for stronger regional cooperation through NACIWA.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to asset recovery, highlighting that funds reclaimed by the EFCC have supported key initiatives such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which were launched with ₦100 billion in recovered assets.

He praised the EFCC, led by Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for its strong record in asset recovery and urged ECOWAS members to learn from Nigeria’s progress.

The President said regional unity against corruption and insecurity would boost development and living standards, calling for practical steps not just words to achieve shared prosperity and good governance across West Africa.