By Olawale Lamina
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN has assured Nigerians that the ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies are diligently working to ensure Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force ,FATF, Grey List.
Speaking at a recent two-day workshop organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism for law enforcement officers, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the significant financial and commercial implications of Nigeria’s inclusion on the FATF Grey List for businesses operating within the country.
The ICPC boss stated clearly that, “The ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies are committed to collaborating to ensure the country’s exit from this challenging status,” adding that the workshop was one of the steps being taken towards finding solutions to ensure that Nigeria was removed from the (FATF) Grey List. He stated that the workshop initiative was aimed at tackling the challenge.
Dr. Aliyu reassured participants that more of such programmes would be organized to meet FATF targets and further develop their capabilities.
The ICPC boss noted the extensive impact of money laundering on Nigeria’s socio-economic situation and stressed that the importance of vibrant and effective action by ICPC officers was required and urgently needed to tackle the challenge posed by the Grey List on Nigeria.
Also, the ICPC’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, called for synergy among various departments to strengthen the fight against corruption in Nigeria. “It is important that we work as a community, as a team, even though we come from various departments and units. Our challenges can be overcome if we work together,” he stated.
The Acting Director of Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Mr. Richard Bello, encouraged participants to take advantage of the workshop by gaining valuable insights.
The opening ceremony also featured the Director of the Special Services Department, Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, and the Acting Directors of Operations and Proceeds of Crime Departments, Mr. Shehu Bello and Mr. Michael Agboro, respectively.
It would be recalled that on February 24, 2023, Nigeria was placed on the FATF Grey List due to a rise in capital inflows and deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorism, and arms financing.
The FATF is an independent intergovernmental organization that promotes policies to protect the global financial system, evaluating jurisdictions based on their Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/P) standards.
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