The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in partnership with Christian Aid Nigeria and other members of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ\&GP), has called for urgent cancellation of illegitimate debts, democratization of global financial institutions, and enhanced legislative engagement in Nigeria’s financing for development agenda.
This call was made by CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), while addressing global stakeholders at the ongoing Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain.
Rafsanjani emphasized that African legislators must be empowered to play their constitutionally mandated roles in budget approvals, loan oversight, debt monitoring, and ensuring transparent and equitable use of public funds. “Legislators must not be sidelined. They are key to ensuring accountability in financial decisions that impact national development,” he said.
At the core of CISLAC’s advocacy is the demand for total cancellation of Debts by Odious or Fraudulent Origin (DBOs)—debts incurred without the knowledge or consent of the public. “These debts are unjust. Their continued enforcement only stalls development, burdens future generations, and undermines national sovereignty,” Rafsanjani declared.
CISLAC and Christian Aid also urged the UK government to introduce laws that would limit the ability of private creditors to sue sovereign states—such as Nigeria—in UK courts, where many of the country’s debts are governed. They called for a United Nations-led debt workout mechanism that compels private creditor participation in fair renegotiation processes. The coalition further aligned with Oxfam and Tax Justice Network Africa in demanding an end to fossil fuel subsidies and a commitment to increased concessional financing by wealthy nations—particularly in light of growing climate vulnerabilities in the Global South.
On taxation and financial transparency, Rafsanjani called for legislative action to close loopholes, curb illicit financial flows, and enforce compliance among multinationals and elites. He highlighted the need for beneficial ownership disclosure and stricter oversight of professional enablers aiding tax evasion and money laundering. “Robust financial management, transparent debt contracting, and budget process oversight are essential to maximize development impact and protect public funds,” he noted.
Rafsanjani also challenged the structure of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, describing them as dominated by powerful nations and lacking equitable representation. “We need a global financial system where African voices are not only heard but matter. Oversight must be a right, not a formality,” he stated.
He called for African legislatures to be better equipped to hold domestic and international financial actors accountable, particularly in ensuring spending aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially in the areas of health, education, and climate resilience. Rafsanjani concluded by urging the Nigerian government to fully implement resolutions reached at the FfD4 Conference, emphasizing inclusive participation of civil society and all stakeholders to drive sustainable development. “We are here in Sevilla to push for a fairer global system, stronger legislative engagement, and sustainable solutions that reflect the will and welfare of our people,” he said.
The Sevilla conference has drawn active participation from civil society organizations, legislators, and global development institutions. Leading the global delegation is Maíra Martini, CEO of Transparency International, who reiterated the call for transparent debt frameworks and long-term sustainability in public finance management.
CISLAC, serving as the host secretariat of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Nigeria, continues to collaborate with partners including Christian Aid, International Budget Partnership, Oxfam, ActionAid, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Centre for Democracy and Development to champion progressive financial and governance reforms.