Customs Reinforces Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to combat illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through a sensitisation programme for officers on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).

The programme, held Monday at the Service’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, formed part of its first-quarter operational review and capacity-building session for members of the AML/CFT Unit.

Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative underscores the growing relevance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and Nigeria’s financial security framework.

He noted that the Unit’s responsibilities extend beyond seaports, airports and border stations, adding that its performance in the past year has strengthened its role in safeguarding the nation’s financial system.

Shuaibu also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, stating that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now functional globally 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,” he said.

He urged officers to see postings to the AML/CFT Unit as opportunities for career development, not punishment, while noting ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align with international best practices.

Also speaking, Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and integrity.

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

Sunusi further emphasised teamwork and adherence to communication protocols, warning against the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information.

In a lecture on service correspondence, Deputy Comptroller Faisal Abubakar highlighted its importance in effective official communication.

Meanwhile, National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller Mas’ud Salihu, said financial crimes are increasingly migrating to digital and virtual platforms.

He said efforts are ongoing to strengthen enforcement, identify operational gaps and improve communication between field officers and management.

Salihu described sensitisation as critical to tackling financial crimes and urged officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.