The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed its commitment to combating financial crimes at a high level workshop on money laundering, held at the EFCC Academy. The workshop, which brought together key security agencies, focused on strengthening strategies for detecting and preventing illicit financial activities. Participants included representatives from the NCS, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other stakeholders involved in financial crime prevention.
Representing the Comptroller General of Customs, Comptroller Sani Yahaya highlighted the proactive measures taken by the NCS in combating financial crimes, particularly through its Anti-Money Laundering Unit. He reiterated that the Service remains a strong pillar in the fight against money laundering, working closely with domestic and international agencies.”The Nigeria Customs Service has consistently been a strong pillar in this fight, working closely with other agencies and adhering to FATF guidelines. Our currency declaration policies at borders play a critical role in detecting suspicious financial transactions,” Yahaya remarked. He further emphasized that the NCS is not only committed to enforcing financial regulations but also ensures compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.
The Anti-Money Laundering Unit operates directly under the supervision of the NCS, enhancing the Service’s ability to track suspicious transactions, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent illicit funds from circulating in the Nigerian economy.In her remarks, Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Chinwe Chinenye Ndubeze, acknowledged the vital role of border security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, in preventing the flow of illicit funds. She emphasized the complexity of money laundering and the need for increased vigilance.”Money laundering is a major issue that enables illicit funds to appear legitimate. It is a complex crime that fuels other criminal activities, making it crucial for agencies to collaborate. Proactive detection at our borders is essential, and routine reporting must be strengthened to ensure effective monitoring,” she stated.She further noted that illicit funds often find their way into the luxury goods market, making them difficult to trace. Given the NCS’s unique position as the first line of defense at Nigeria’s borders, its role in detecting, reporting, and preventing such financial crimes cannot be overstated.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed the increasing sophistication of money laundering schemes and the importance of collaboration between security agencies. Key topics included the evolving nature of cross-border financial crimes, the integration of advanced technology in monitoring financial transactions, and the strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms.The workshop reinforced the importance of the NCS’s role in securing Nigeria’s borders against illicit financial activities. As a frontline agency, the Service continues to implement advanced surveillance and investigative techniques to curb money laundering and other financial crimes. The discussions also emphasized the need for ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives to equip customs officers with the skills necessary to identify and intercept suspicious financial activities effectively.
