From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued an urgent call for the cancellation of illegitimate debts, sweeping reforms of global financial institutions, and increased legislative engagement in Nigeria’s development financing.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, made the call at the Financing for Development Conference, in Sevilla Spain which drew civil society leaders, government officials, and development advocates from around the world.
Addressing the international gathering, Rafsanjani, who also heads Transparency International Nigeria, underscored the central role of lawmakers in ensuring transparency and accountability in financial decisions that shape national development.
“Legislators must not be sidelined. Legislators have the constitutional mandate to approve budgets, approve loans, monitor debt agreements, and ensure that public and borrowed funds are used transparently and equitably,” he declared.
At the heart of CISLAC’s message was a demand for the cancellation of debts incurred without public consent or accountability, known as Debts by Odious or Fraudulent Origin (DBOs).
“These debts are unjust. Their enforcement continues to stall development, burden future generations, and weaken national sovereignty,” Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC echoed Christian Aid’s call for the UK government to enact legislation limiting the ability of private creditors to sue sovereign governments in UK courts—a crucial issue since most Nigerian private debt is governed under UK law. Rafsanjani also advocated for mandatory participation of private creditors in debt renegotiation processes, including through a United Nations debt workout mechanism.
The organisation further aligned with Oxfam and Tax Justice Africa in urging wealthy nations to increase concessional financing and to end fossil fuel subsidies that exacerbate climate impacts for vulnerable communities.
He highlighted the need for legislative action to address tax loopholes, curb illicit financial flows, and enforce compliance among multinational corporations and wealthy individuals.
“Lawmakers must strengthen financial integrity laws, demand public access to beneficial ownership registers, and enforce stronger oversight of professional enablers who facilitate tax evasion and money laundering,” he insisted.
He stressed that robust public financial management, transparency in debt contracting, and oversight throughout the budget process are essential to protecting public funds and maximizing development impact.
The CISLAC boss also called for the democratisation of global financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, which he argued are currently dominated by powerful nations and lack inclusive representation.
“We need a global financial system where African voices matter, and where oversight is not a formality but a right,” Rafsanjani said.
He urged that African legislative institutions be empowered to hold both domestic and international actors accountable, enhance transparency in debt negotiations, and prioritize spending in critical sectors such as climate, health, and education. According to Rafsanjani, responsible and effective financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa is vital to addressing poverty, reducing inequality, and ensuring access to justice and inclusive institutions.
“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”, Rafsanjani said, calling on the Nigerian government to fully coordinate and implement the resolutions from the Sevilla conference, with inclusive participation from all stakeholders, especially civil society, to ensure a holistic and impactful execution.
The conference which ends Friday, July 4th, held high-level discussions on debt justice, climate finance, tax equity, and inclusive economic transformation. African civil society, parliamentary and legislative representatives, with Transparency International chapters actively participating.
The delegation was led by Maíra Martini, CEO, who demanded more transparent and accountable frameworks for debt contracting and management as critical measures for safeguarding public resources and promoting long-term debt sustainability.