Customs Strengthens AML/ CFT Fight with Capacity Building, inter – Agency Collaboration
Customs Strengthens AML/CFT Fight with Capacity Building, Inter-Agency Collaboration
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up its fight against illicit financial flows and terrorism financing with a sensitisation programme for officers of its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Unit.
Held at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the session formed part of the Service’s first-quarter operational review and training. It focused on building capacity, promoting ethical conduct, and improving collaboration across agencies.
Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, said the Unit’s work now extends beyond seaports, airports and borders, calling it a critical pillar in protecting Nigeria’s financial system. He noted that postings to the Unit should be viewed as career development opportunities, not punishment, and cited ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align with global standards.
Shuaibu also highlighted that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now globally accepted, allowing seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion — a milestone he said enhances Nigeria’s financial credibility abroad.
Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sunusi, urged officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and discipline. He stressed that leadership by example, punctuality, and fairness are essential to operational success, while warning against unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller Mas’ud Salihu, said financial crimes are increasingly moving into digital and virtual spaces. He stressed the need for proactive sensitisation, better communication between field officers and management, and stronger enforcement to close operational gaps.
The session also included a lecture by Deputy Comptroller Faisal Abubakar on official service correspondence and its role in effective communication.
Salihu commended officers for their engagement and thanked NCS management for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.
