 Corruption continues to be one of the greatest challenges of our time. It undermines democracy and the rule of law. It distorts markets. It erodes the quality of life. It allows organized crime and terrorism to flourish. And it triggers needless wars and bloodshed. The cost of corruption, therefore, imposes on all African countries and governments a moral obligation to fight it with vigor and political will. I should point out that Nigeria has been at the forefront of sponsoring resolutions aimed at enhancing mutual legal assistance. African countries must come together to keep the issue of asset recovery and return on the front burner of international discourse. We must also work hard to build cooperation and mutual understanding with our global partners. We must insist that recovered stolen assets will return to countries of origin without any preconditions in line with Article 51 of the UNCAC.