In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s financial security and exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), has organized a two-day training for law enforcement officers on currency declaration and related issues.
The workshop, themed “Proactive Detection of Non/False Currency Declaration and Application of Appropriate Sanctions,” took place on January 28–29, 2025, at the EFCC Academy in Karu, Abuja.
According to the statement issued by the EFCC on their X official website, Fifty officers from various agencies participated in the training, which focused on detecting false currency declarations and enforcing appropriate sanctions.
Speaking at the event, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Deputy Commander Chinwe Ndubeze, emphasized the importance of the workshop in equipping officers with the skills needed to detect undeclared and falsely declared funds at Nigeria’s borders, seaports, and airports.
“The importance of Nigeria exiting the grey list can never be overemphasized,” Olukoyede said.
“This training is designed to ensure that officers on the frontlines have the necessary investigative skills to detect and prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing.”
Participants were drawn from the EFCC, NCS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and Aviation Security.
The training aimed to enhance inter-agency collaboration and build a stronger network among law enforcement agencies. Officers were trained to effectively track and prosecute those involved in financial crimes, ensuring perpetrators are sanctioned and prevented from enjoying the proceeds of their crimes.
Similarly, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller S.M Yahaya, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to combat financial crimes.
“We have maintained close collaboration with relevant agencies over the years, exchanging ideas and vital information that have led to significant achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
“We are proud of those successes and will continue to collaborate and synergize for the common goal of a safer and prosperous nation”, the DG stated further.
