Abuja — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its commitment to combating illicit financial flows and terrorism financing with a high-level sensitisation programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).
The programme, held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, formed part of the Service’s first-quarter operational review meeting and capacity-building training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit.
Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, who addressed the participants, described the initiative as a reflection of the growing strategic importance of AML/CFT operations in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system.
Shuaibu noted that the Unit’s impact now extends beyond ports and borders, positioning it as a vital player in national security and financial integrity. He also highlighted recent improvements in Nigeria’s banking ecosystem.
“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.
The ACG urged officers to view postings to the AML/CFT Unit as opportunities for career growth and professional development rather than punitive assignments. He also disclosed ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align NCS operations with global best practices.
In his remarks, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Saulawa Sunusi, emphasised the need for professionalism and integrity.
“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.
Sunusi called on officers to lead by example, maintain high standards of punctuality and fairness, and strengthen internal synergy for operational success.
National Coordinator of the AML/CFT Unit, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Mas’ud Salihu, drew attention to the evolving nature of financial crimes, noting their increasing shift into digital and virtual spaces.
Salihu stressed the importance of proactive enforcement, continuous sensitisation, and improved communication between field officers and management to close operational gaps and block emerging threats.
A lecture on proper service correspondence was delivered by Deputy Comptroller of Customs Faisal Abubakar during the session.
The sensitisation programme underscored the NCS management’s determination to build a more robust, ethical, and effective AML/CFT framework capable of responding to contemporary financial crime challenges.
