The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has reiterated its commitment to combating money laundering and other financial crimes in the country, vowing to leave no stone unturned in its quest.
Speaking at the opening session of the 1st NFIU Management Retreat in Abuja on Monday, CEO Hajiya Hafsat Bakari emphasized the unit’s commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve this goal, citing the need for collaboration and information sharing to stay ahead of criminals.
According to Bakari, the NFIU’s efforts aim to remove Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by May 2025. To achieve this, the unit has developed a robust and innovative organizational structure, prioritizing high-risk predicate offenses and enhancing domestic cooperation to contribute to ongoing law enforcement and regulatory actions.
Bakari recognized the support of stakeholders, including the President, government officials, and international partners, and pledged to continue working together to achieve their common goal.
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“We recognize that without all of you, from the institutions that act as gatekeepers to the competent authorities that follow the money, and the prosecutors and judiciary that ensure appropriate sanctions are applied for violations of the law, our work counts for very little,” she said.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the NFIU’s efforts, noting that its work is crucial to Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list.
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the NFIU’s prompt responses to information requests, which have led to significant recoveries and convictions.
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of financial intelligence in safeguarding the country’s financial system and pledged the CBN’s support for the NFIU’s efforts.
Other speakers, including the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abubakar Audi, also commended the NFIU’s work and pledged their support.
The 1st NFIU Management Retreat aims to develop a 5-year strategic plan and enhance domestic cooperation to contribute to ongoing law enforcement and regulatory actions.
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