The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its fight against illicit financial flows and terrorism financing with a sensitisation programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).
The programme, held at the NCS headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, formed part of its first-quarter operational review meeting and training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit. The engagement focused on enhancing capacity, promoting ethical standards, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
Speaking during the session, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, stated that the initiative reflects the growing importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and Nigeria’s broader financial and security framework.
ACG Shuaibu noted that the impact of the Unit extends beyond seaports, airports and border stations, stressing that its achievements over the past year have positioned it as a critical component in safeguarding the nation’s financial system.
He also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, disclosing that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now globally functional, enabling seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion.
“This is a major milestone. Nigerians can now travel and use their cards anywhere in the world, with transactions reflecting the local currency. This is a significant achievement for the nation,” he added.
The ACG emphasised that postings to the AML/CFT Unit should be seen as opportunities for career growth and capacity development, rather than punitive assignments.
He further referenced ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) aimed at aligning operations with global best practices.
On his part, the Ag. Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in the discharge of duties. “Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” DC Sunusi stated.
He urged officers to continually build their capacity through training and to demonstrate leadership by example, while maintaining high standards of punctuality, fairness, and professionalism.
Sunusi stressed the need for effective collaboration and conflict resolution within the Service, noting that strong internal synergy is essential for operational success.
Participants were advised to remain vigilant, maintain high morale, and carry out their duties without bias. They were also cautioned against the unauthorised sharing of sensitive information and urged to adhere strictly to established communication protocols.
The session featured a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar on service correspondence, where officers were guided on its importance and application in official communication.
In his remarks, National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes, noting that illicit activities are increasingly shifting into digital and virtual spaces.
AC Salihu explained that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, identifying operational gaps, and improving communication between field officers and management.
He emphasised that sensitisation remains a key strategy in tackling financial crimes, urging officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.
He commended participants for their engagement and appreciated the management of the Service for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.
