A&D Forensics

NFIU & @NITDANigeria have unveiled an enhanced AML/CFT/CPF data management platform to give security agencies faster, smarter financial intelligence tools. The platform aligns with FATF standards and boosts inter-agency collaboration.

The @FIUNigeria received the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office on a courtesy visit aimed at deepening ongoing collaboration between both institutions. The Director/CEO of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, provided a brief update on Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its AML/CFT framework and acknowledged UNODC’s long-standing support in capacity building and technical assistance. She noted the importance of enhanced regional cooperation and highlighted emerging initiatives to promote more effective intelligence sharing across African FIUs. In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh O. Toure, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and the West African region. He announced the approval of a new five-year programme focusing on strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework, protecting national resources, and supporting national response efforts on issues such as human and narcotics trafficking. Both parties reiterated their commitment to working together to improve regional security and combat cross-border financial crime.

Nigeria received resounding commendations at the 44th Technical Commission and Plenary of GIABA, held from November 17–21, 2025, in Liberia, following the strategic reforms that recently secured its delisting from the FATF grey list in Paris. The high-level gathering brought together West African member states, partners and experts in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) to discuss emerging challenges and strategies to safeguard the financial integrity of the region. Led by Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, Director/CEO of the @FIUNigeria, represented by Hauwa Abubakar Faruq, Head of International Standard Implementation, the Nigerian delegation played an active role in shaping key discussions. Ms. Faruq highlighted Nigeria’s renewed drive to meet global AML/CFT obligations, noting that ongoing reforms in Non-Profit Organisation oversight, Beneficial Ownership transparency and Virtual Assets regulation are positioning Nigeria as a strong regional voice in safeguarding financial integrity. GIABA’s Director-General, Edwin W. Harris, praised Nigeria’s exit from the grey list and welcomed its growing engagement as a guest member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a clear sign of the nation’s rising international stature in the fight against financial crime. Participants during the sessions highlighted contributions made, reviewed regional progress, exchanged insights and strategies to strengthen cooperation and reinforce compliance with international AML/CFT/CPF standards across West Africa. The week-long plenary closed on a festive note on Friday with an elaborate dinner celebrating GIABA’s 25th anniversary, a moment that underscored the organisation’s enduring commitment to protecting the region’s financial systems.