The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, has expressed worries over the high rate of inflow of weapons from Libya into the country.
The Unit regretted that Nigeria is at the receiving end of terrorist activities in the Sahel.
NFIU, therefore, warned that for the country to succeed, it must adjust its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPEF) strategy to include the private sector.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari.
Bakari raised the concerns during a Roundtable conference organized by the Centre for International Private Enterprise in Washington D.C. USA.
In a statement released by the NFIU Head, Strategic Communication, Sani Tukur, Bakari was quoted to have attributed the development to the escalation of Nigeria’s internal security crisis. She stated that Nigeria does not need a stopgap measure in fighting terrorism, called fora sustainable measure.
According to her, “Nigeria faces a significant internal crisis of banditry and kidnapping linked to terrorism. She noted that the flow of weapons from Libya are a source of concern.
The CEO emphasized that inflow is also directly associated with the escalation of Nigeria’s internal security crisis.”
Bakari drew the attention of the audience to the progress made by Nigeria to strengthen its AML/CFT/CPF framework. She also highlighted the steps taken by the NFIU and other stakeholders to improve national measures.
According to her, the measures are to ensure the integrity of the financial system. And also, to prevent abuse by money launderers and other criminals.
Bakari pointed out that the NFIU has the political will and support to do its job satisfactorily. She, however, stated that the Unit needs institutional support to achieve its mandate.
The CEO, therefore, added that Nigeria needs the help of the international community in the fight against terrorism and proliferation finance in the Sahel and the Lake Chad region.
According to her, the Unit was able to revive the Joint Task Force on tackling terrorism finance in the Sahel.
She noted that later this month, member States will meet in Abuja to sign an MOU to that effect.
“Nigeria does not need a stopgap measure in fighting terrorism. We need a sustainable measure, and we need your help getting there.” Bakari told the audience.
source: Daily Trust
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