By: Femi Mustapha
Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has been appointed to the Interim Executive Council of the Non-State Actors (NSA) Forum of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC).
This appointment, confirmed by the AUABC in a letter dated October 10, 2025, was announced to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement highlights that the appointment signifies a significant milestone in recognizing Rev. Ugolor’s and ANEEJ’s relentless advocacy for asset recovery, transparency, and anti-corruption governance across Africa for over three decades.
The NSA Forum was established in response to Article 12 of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), which underscores the critical role of civil society, the media, and citizens in promoting integrity, holding public officials accountable, and ensuring the effective implementation of anti-corruption frameworks.
As a member of the Interim Council, Rev. Ugolor will be responsible for defining the structure, scope, and operational methods of the NSA Forum. His duties will include developing annual work and budget plans, coordinating stakeholder engagement, overseeing the implementation of Forum decisions and resolutions, and mobilizing funding sources to support clean and transparent activities for the Forum.
Rev. Ugolor expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating, “I am deeply thankful to the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption for this recognition. I view this appointment not only as a personal honor but also as an endorsement of ANEEJ’s consistent efforts in promoting accountability and asset recovery over the years. I am dedicated to advancing the objectives of the NSA Forum and supporting collaborative efforts to combat corruption throughout Africa.”
Leo Atakpu, the Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, welcomed the announcement, saying, “Rev. Ugolor’s appointment is a clear testament to his exceptional leadership in the fight against corruption and recognizes his crucial role in promoting civil society engagement in asset recovery. This includes advancing the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) and the principles of the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) at both national and global levels.”
Rev. Ugolor’s involvement in the Interim Council is expected to further enhance ANEEJ’s impact on the continent while strengthening ongoing advocacy for inclusive governance, citizen participation, and accountable use of recovered assets. With this appointment, Rev. Ugolor and ANEEJ are well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the fight against corruption in Africa.
