By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-money laundering operations in Nigeria, raising concerns over the increasing shift of financial crimes into digital and virtual platforms.
The move was highlighted during a sensitization programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), in Abuja, as part of its first-quarter operational review and training for officers.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of anti-money laundering efforts within Nigeria’s financial and security framework.
A statement by Customs spokesperson, Abdulahi Maiwada, quotes Shuaibu as explaining that the AML/CFT Unit now plays a broader role beyond seaports, airports, and border stations, contributing significantly to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system.
Shuaibu also pointed to improvements in the country’s financial ecosystem, noting that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now widely accepted globally, enabling seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion.
He added that postings to the AML/CFT Unit should be seen as opportunities for professional growth, while reaffirming collaboration with the World Customs Organization to align Nigeria with global anti-money laundering standards.
Also speaking, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, emphasized the need for integrity, discipline, and professionalism in tackling financial crimes.
“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.
Sunusi stressed the importance of teamwork, communication, and internal coordination in strengthening enforcement operations.
In a lecture on official communication, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar, guided officers on best practices in service correspondence.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, warned that digital financial crimes are evolving rapidly, with perpetrators exploiting online and virtual systems.
He said ongoing reforms are focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, identifying operational gaps, and improving communication between field officers and management.
Salihu emphasised that sensitisation remains critical in combating financial crimes and urged officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.
