By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through a sensitisation programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The session, held on Monday, 4 May 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, formed part of the first‑quarter operational review and training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit.
Assistant Comptroller‑General (ACG) Muhammad Shuaibu, in charge of Headquarters, underscored the growing importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and Nigeria’s wider financial security framework. He noted that the Unit’s impact extends beyond seaports, airports, and border stations, positioning it as a critical safeguard for the nation’s financial system.
Shuaibu highlighted recent improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, including the global functionality of Nigerian‑issued bank cards, which now enable seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion. He described this as “a major milestone” for Nigeria’s financial integration.
He further encouraged officers to view postings to the AML/CFT Unit as opportunities for career growth and capacity development, rather than punitive assignments, while noting ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align operations with global best practices.
Ag. Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and ethical conduct. He urged officers to build capacity through continuous training, lead by example, and maintain high standards of punctuality and fairness. Sunusi also emphasized the need for effective collaboration and conflict resolution within the Service, noting that strong internal synergy is essential for operational success.
Deputy Comptroller Faisal Abubakar delivered a lecture on service correspondence, guiding officers on its importance in official communication.
National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller Mas’ud Salihu, highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes, particularly their shift into digital and virtual spaces. He explained that current efforts focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, identifying operational gaps, and improving communication between field officers and management.
Salihu emphasized that sensitisation remains a key strategy in tackling financial crimes and urged officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats. He commended participants for their engagement and thanked NCS management for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.