As part of strategic efforts in fighting illicit asset flow in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre joined other civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners at the United Nations House, Abuja, for a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2022. The workshop, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs). Its objective was clear: to equip CSOs with knowledge of POCA’s provisions and enhance their role in monitoring, advocacy, and ensuring transparency in the recovery and management of proceeds of crime in Nigeria. Representing HEDA at the workshop, the organization’s Legal and Program Officer, Dabotonye Dappa, emphasized why civil society engagement is indispensable in asset recovery. Dappa underscored the need for CSOs to not only monitor processes at the federal level but also extend oversight to states and communities to ensure that recovered assets deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Experts and government officials provided practical insights into how POCA 2022 empowers agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to seize, confiscate, and forfeit illicit assets. A major highlight was the establishment of a central database, managed by the Department of Proceeds of Crime Management, to track all seized assets and make data accessible to the public. Detailed discussions also addressed how assets are valued, auctioned, and disposed of under strict procedures—with CSOs and the media invited to observe for accountability. The workshop also reviewed Nigeria’s progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, with reforms such as the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and the central asset database cited as key milestones. Nigeria’s successful FATF on-site visit in August 2025 was described as a significant step, with a final decision on the country’s exit expected in October 2025. HEDA’s longstanding advocacy for accountability, transparency, and citizen-focused use of recovered assets aligns directly with the discussions and recommendations from the workshop. The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government and CSOs, regular training to keep stakeholders updated, and public access to the asset recovery database to foster greater trust. By participating in this workshop, HEDA further deepened its technical knowledge and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders. This engagement underscores HEDA’s commitment to ensuring that in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, recovered assets are not just reclaimed but repurposed for the social good of Nigerians