The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has called on judges to remain at the forefront of
the fight against financial crime, and ensure that the nation’s legal system does not inadvertently become a conduit for illicit financial flows.
His Lordship made the call in Abuja at a Sensitization Programme on Anti-Money
Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering
Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment for the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice therefore called on the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement and anti-graft agencies to work together to ensure that Nigeria is removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring otherwise known as ‘Grey List’
The CJN said: “The success of any AML/CFT regime hinges on synergy among key
stakeholders. The Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), law
enforcement agencies, anti-graft institutions, and financial regulators
must work in concert to ensure a holistic and coordinated response to
financial crimes. “
According to the Honourable Chief Justice, Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List has imposed significant economic constraints, affecting investor confidence,financial transactions, and the broader economic outlook.
The Honourable Chief Justice stated that the anticipated delisting from this category is therefore not merely a symbolic achievement but a tangible milestone with far-reaching economic and reputational benefits.
The CJN said: “It will signal our commitment to financial transparency and integrity while restoring Nigeria’s standing in the global
financial community.”
She expresses satisfaction that the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including key regulatory stakeholders, reflecting “our collective commitment to strengthening
Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework”, she added.
Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi said the sensitization programme for judges was aimed at strengthening the federal government’s resolve to make sure Nigeria is removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring.
He said the workshop was in
in line with the NJI’s mandate of promoting efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services through the provision of continuing education for all categories of judicial officers.
Earlier, the deputy British high commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Gill Lever had pledged the United Kingdom’s readiness to support Nigeria to fight money laundering.
According to her, Nigeria loses over 16 billion dollars yearly to money laundering.