COMBATING ILLICIT ACTIVITIES: The Need for Robust NGO Oversight in Kano State.

 COMBATING ILLICIT ACTIVITIES: The Need for Robust NGO Oversight in Kano State.


By Tijjani Sarki


The need for profiling NGOs and donor agencies at the state level, especially in Kano State, is critical in developing robust internal frameworks that complement federal efforts. These frameworks would ensure that civil society organizations (CSOs) adhere to national regulations, promote transparency, and hold the NGO sector accountable, particularly in combating illicit activities such as money laundering.


Several Nigerian states have already taken proactive steps to enhance oversight mechanisms for NGOs. For example, states like Borno, Lagos, and Edo have established dedicated committees or agencies to actively monitor NGO activities and ensure they operate within legal boundaries. This approach is essential to curbing corruption, misuse of funds, and criminal activities such as money laundering and human trafficking. These state-level efforts help address the increasing risks posed by NGOs involved in illicit activities.


In recent years, concerns have grown over money laundering, fraudulent practices, and exploitation by some NGOs. Allegations have surfaced, such as an NGO in Lagos being charged for facilitating illegal adoption networks and another organization in Abuja under investigation for embezzling donor funds. These cases underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks at the state level to ensure NGOs operate ethically and in the public's best interest. By creating such frameworks, state governments can effectively support federal agencies like the EFCC and ICPC in fighting crime and protecting vulnerable populations.


Several high-profile cases have highlighted the dangers posed by unregulated NGOs. On September 20, 2022, the EFCC arrested Usman Abubakar and his foundation, the Young Alhaji Foundation, for allegedly stealing over N180 million from Anom Farm Ltd. Similarly, on August 29, 2018, the Lagos State Police arrested a syndicate exploiting individuals with debilitating illnesses by raising funds for their medical treatment, only to abandon them. In Yobe State, fraudsters posing as an NGO swindled N78.9 million from victims, and in 2019, the EFCC traced over 50 bank accounts linked to a suspicious NGO in the state. These incidents underscore the importance of robust state-level oversight to prevent fraud, corruption, and money laundering.


In response to such issues, Borno State recently sealed the offices of iMMAP France, an NGO operating without proper registration, signaling the state's commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring transparency in NGO operations. These proactive measures help maintain public trust in the NGO sector and ensure that only legitimate organizations are allowed to operate within the state.


State governments must remain vigilant and collaborate closely with federal agencies to strengthen regulatory frameworks and identify fraudulent NGOs. This collaboration will not only help protect vulnerable individuals but also prevent criminal activities like money laundering and uphold the integrity of civil society.


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also urged NGOs and CSOs to register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), emphasizing the need to monitor and reduce the risk of NGOs being exploited by money launderers or terrorists. While many NGOs and CSOs in Nigeria remain true to their missions, they are still vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements posing as charitable organizations.


There should be no cause for concern regarding the profiling of NGOs, CSOs and donors in Kano State. Only those with something to hide may be apprehensive about such efforts.


 It is widely known that some NGOs in Kano State have been linked to illegal human trafficking networks to Libya and Italy, falsely promising a better future. These operations, which lack any government recognition, further emphasize the need for the government to create an enabling environment for transparency and accountability. Ensuring the proper monitoring of CSOs, NGOs, and donor agencies is vital for the well-being of the state's citizens.


Tijjani Sarki

Vice President, Human Rights Watch and Youth Empowerment Foundation

23/02/2025

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