Nigeria Customs Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering Drive Through Sensitisation Programme

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to curb illicit financial activities and terrorism financing through a sensitisation programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The event took place at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The programme was held on Monday, 4 May 2026. It formed part of the agency’s first-quarter operational review and training exercise for officers attached to the AML/CFT Unit. The session focused on building capacity, promoting ethical conduct and improving cooperation with relevant agencies.

During the programme, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative shows the rising importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and across Nigeria’s financial and security system. He explained that the Unit’s work goes beyond ports and border points. He added that its performance in the past year has made it a key player in protecting the country’s financial system.

Shuaibu also pointed to recent progress in Nigeria’s financial sector. He said bank cards issued in Nigeria now function globally and allow users to carry out transactions abroad 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 said.

He advised officers to view postings to the AML/CFT Unit as an opportunity for career development. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization to ensure compliance with international standards.

In his remarks, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, called for discipline and professionalism among officers.

“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.

Sunusi urged personnel to improve their skills through regular training. He asked them to show leadership through good conduct and maintain fairness and punctuality in their duties. He also stressed the need for teamwork and proper conflict resolution within the Service.

Participants were advised to stay alert, maintain high morale and perform their duties without bias. They were warned against sharing sensitive information without authorisation and asked to follow official communication procedures strictly.

The programme also featured a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar, who spoke on service correspondence and its role in official communication.

In a separate address, the National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, said financial crimes are becoming more complex. He noted that many illegal activities are now taking place in digital and virtual spaces.

Salihu explained that efforts are ongoing to strengthen enforcement, identify operational gaps and improve communication between field officers and management. He said sensitisation remains vital in tackling financial crimes and encouraged officers to stay proactive in detecting new threats.

He commended participants for their active involvement and thanked the Service leadership for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.