Abuja: The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) have emphasised the role of the media in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. They made the remarks at the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) media outreach on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, described journalists as indispensable partners in promoting accountability and transparency. She stated, “Financial crime thrives in darkness, but accountability grows in the presence of informed public scrutiny. This engagement with the media is not merely a routine event, but a strategic partnership.” Bakari highlighted the significant threats money laundering and terrorist financing pose to national stability, as illicit funds often fuel organised crime, corruption, trafficking, and violent extremism. She noted that undetected financial flows could weaken institutions, distort economies, and undermine development efforts.
Bakari further explained that responsible media reporting on financial crimes would contribute to awareness creation, deterrence, and accountability. She said the media served as a bridge between policymakers and citizens by translating technical information into actionable knowledge. She urged media practitioners to go beyond merely reporting information to questioning, explaining, and illuminating issues to enhance public understanding. Bakari also mentioned that for over a decade, GIABA has recognised that the effectiveness of AML/CFT frameworks depends not only on laws and enforcement agencies but also on public understanding and civic vigilance.
The programme aims to facilitate the establishment of dedicated AML/CFT media desk officers in participating media organisations to improve specialised reporting and sustained engagement. It will examine Nigeria’s National Risk Assessment on AML/CFT, emerging regional threats, and practical strategies for effective media engagement in combating financial crimes.
In his remarks, the Director-General of GIABA, Mr Edwin Harris, said the workshop would deepen journalists’ understanding of financial crimes and how to expose illicit financial activities. Represented by Mr Timothy Melaye, Harris stated that GIABA is a specialised institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 2000 by the Authority of Heads of State and Government to safeguard member states’ economies from the proceeds of crime and terrorist financing.
Harris explained that GIABA serves as a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body responsible for ensuring compliance with international AML/CFT standards. The organisation conducts research and typology studies to identify emerging trends in money laundering and terrorism financing, aiming to strengthen preventive and enforcement mechanisms. He highlighted GIABA’s core mandates, which include promoting the implementation of international AML/CFT standards and facilitating regional cooperation.
Additionally, Harris mentioned that GIABA organises mutual evaluations and supports member states in establishing Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). The organisation has recorded significant progress through capacity-building programmes, technical support, and sustained partnerships with international stakeholders. He urged participants to see the training as an opportunity to renew their commitment to ethical journalism and contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.