People or entities whose real identities are shrouded in secrecy probably own more than half of the choice properties in Abuja, Nigeria. Part of the reason for this opacity is because they are probably current or former public officials, senior military officers, politicians, and politically exposed persons (PEPs), whose source of stupendous wealth cannot be explained, except to say that they have looted public resources once placed under their care. The presence of anonymous companies suggest corrupt and criminal transactions. Their continued existence deny countries of valuable income through taxPlacing transparency, accountability, and participation at the center of tax policy can ensure that burdens are distributed equitably across society. Technical specifications: Commitments related to c... evasion and avoidance. Hidden company and property ownership is a big contributor to the nearly $1 trillion US dollars that illicitly leave developing countries according to the Financial TransparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More Coalition, a global network of governments, civil society and experts. Out of that, an estimated $15.7 billion of illicit financial flow is said to pass through the Nigerian financial system annually. If these figures are anything to go by, it means that Nigeria is one of the top ten countries in terms of illicit financial flows.

Many of the names contained in the register of companies in Nigeria are not the real owners. A host of them are just fronts who have chosen to represent the actual owners, whose identities are often concealed. Others exist only in briefcases. Although it is a legal requirement to submit the names and details of directors of a company before it can be registered, it’s regarded as a mere formality. Often, no one bothers to verify whether the names or addresses listed in the registration forms even exist. This offers ample opportunity for the unscrupulous and the corrupt to go undetected. The truth is that many of those who are regularly listed as directors are not the ‘real’ owners of the companies. The identities of the real owners are left out in the documentation process even though they have controlling powers over the activities and assets of such companies. A beneficial owner is one that enjoys the possession and benefits of ownership (such as income) of a company or property, even though the ownership and title is in the name of another entity. In such a situation, the real owner is different from the registered owner. The era of opacity may soon give way if the ongoing reforms that the Nigerian government is implementing under the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) are fully realized.

On April 6, 2016, a new law came into place in the United Kingdom, which requires all companies to keep a register of all those who influence and control the company. During the London Anti-Corruption summit later that year, they announced the opening of that beneficial ownershipDisclosing beneficial owners — those who ultimately control or profit from a business — is essential for combating corruption, stemming illicit financial flows, and fighting tax evasion. Technical... More register to the world – which means that those who wish to purchase and own properties in that country will have to publicly disclose the details. As part of its OGP process, the Nigerian government followed suit and included in the country’s National Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... (NAP) a commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to establish a public register of beneficial owners. The Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has already taken the lead by issuing a roadmap for implementing beneficial ownership reforms. The Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) makes it compulsory for member countries to report beneficial owners of companies operating within the extractive sector. The roadmap for Nigeria outlined the processes, activities and timeframe for collection, verification and disclosure of beneficial owners of companies within the extractive industry.

Furthermore, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the custodian of Nigeria’s company registry, is said to be pursuing relevant amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 1990 to comply with global standards. Part of the expected amendments will be the strengthening of sanctions against false information and non-compliance, as well as the inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of a section in the company registration form where information about Persons with Significant Control (PSC), will be disclosed. In line with the open contractingA transparent procurement process, known as open contracting, increases competition, improves public service delivery, and ensures governments better value for their money. Technical specifications: C... More data standard, the Bureau for Public ProcurementTransparency in the procurement process can help combat corruption and waste that plagues a significant portion of public procurement budgets globally. Technical specifications: Commitments that aim t... More (BPP) will be expected to establish a publicly accessible registry of licensed owners of all companies operating in Nigeria and those who benefit from public sector contracts. It is expected that these agencies will work together with the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is already implementing the Bank Verification Number (BVN) to link ownership of properties to bank accounts. Coordination of these reforms will be key to realizing the cumulative objectives in the long term. The Nigeria Economic Summit Group, one of the leading private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More think tanks in the country, is working with Nigeria’s OGP secretariat to commit to spreading awareness and building capacity of its members to proactively disclose their beneficial ownership information in compliance with government reforms.

The implementation is expected to assist recovery of some of Nigeria’s stolen wealth. It will also make it difficult for those who benefit from ill-gotten wealth to hide it. According the NEITI road map, the implementation of beneficial ownership transparency is bound to meet resistance from those with stakes and vested interests.  Although the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) recently passed into law, the sector remains murky. It was recently revealed that Nigeria has lost an estimated US $9 billion since 2013 through shady practices in the oil and gas industry. Those behind this “official larceny” might be afraid of losing their ill-gotten wealth, especially in the face of public outrage that may occur after the imminent disclosures.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, in his inauguration speech, had promised his fellow citizens that he would tackle pervasive corruption and financial crimes head on. He has provided the political will and policy direction for the national reform efforts so far. However, the octogenarian leader has suffered from protracted ill health, which has seen him in and out of hospital in the past six months. Additional impetus will be expected when and if the President recovers and returns back to work. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has so far done well in maintaining momentum in Mr. Buhari’s absence.  Although there are clear constitutional provisions that specify the way things should go in case of any eventuality, pundits are still concerned about the fate of the ongoing reforms, particularly if the President’s health challenges persist. For now, the vigilance of Nigeria’s active civil society leaders in the OGP process, and the alertness of the media, are now needed more than ever, to ensure that the venal political elite of Africa’s most populous country do not become obstacles that could encumber the full implementation of the reforms.