EFCC launches three-day workshop on AML/CFT enforcement in Nigeria

Stanley Ihedigbo

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a three-day capacity-building workshop for law enforcement agencies across Nigeria.

According to the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the workshop—aimed at enhancing national capabilities in the effective investigation and prosecution of money laundering and related financial crimes—was declared open by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja.

In his welcome address, the EFCC boss underscored the Commission’s unwavering commitment to strengthening inter-agency synergy in the fight against illicit financial flows. Olukoyede, who spoke through the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Joseph Ogwiji, said: “This program comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to strengthen its response to money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes in line with country risk profiling.”

He further noted that financial crimes “are becoming increasingly sophisticated, transnational, and technologically driven. These crimes undermine our economy, weaken institutions, and threaten national security. Therefore, building the capacity of frontline officers is not just necessary but essential for improving the effectiveness of our national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism regime.”

He encouraged participants to enhance synergy and inter-agency collaboration in the enforcement of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws to ensure Nigeria continues to demonstrate measurable progress in technical compliance, operational effectiveness, and coordinated efforts.

During the workshop, participants drawn from multiple law enforcement and regulatory institutions will receive intensive instruction on critical areas, including preparation for Nigeria’s third-round mutual evaluation; identification, investigation, and prosecution of various types of money laundering; use of special investigation techniques; utilization of financial intelligence in investigations; preservation of evidence and chain of custody; tracing, seizure, and confiscation of criminal assets; and other emerging AML/CFT enforcement modules.

In his remarks, ACE1 Ogwiji reiterated that effective AML/CFT enforcement requires diligence, professionalism, and continuous skill enhancement across all agencies tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system. He commended the participating institutions for their collaboration, stressing that the collective strength of Nigeria’s law enforcement community remains the nation’s most potent weapon against financial crimes.

The workshop continues throughout the week, with facilitators and subject-matter experts in financial intelligence and asset recovery, alongside participants from the EFCC and partner agencies, including the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Justice, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.