In order to prevent the country’s judicial system from serving as a conduit for illegal financial flows, Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judges to play a key role in the battle against financial crimes.
During an anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism funding, and anti-proliferation financing risk assessment for the judiciary, she made her appeal in Abuja.
Tobi Soniyi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the CJN, made this revelation in a statement issued on Friday.
In order to guarantee Nigeria’s expulsion from the Financial Action Task Force list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring, also known as the “Grey List,” Kekere-Ekun stressed the necessity of cooperation between the judiciary, attorneys, law enforcement, and anti-graft organizations, according to the statement.
She stated, “The success of any AML/CFT regime hinges on synergy among key stakeholders. The Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, law enforcement agencies, anti-graft institutions, and financial regulators must work in concert to ensure a holistic and coordinated response to financial crimes.”
The CJN emphasized the detrimental effects of Nigeria’s ongoing inclusion on the Grey List, pointing out that it has placed severe financial restrictions on the country, eroding investor confidence, financial transactions, and the prospects for the economy as a whole.
She remarked, “The anticipated delisting from this category is not merely a symbolic achievement but a tangible milestone with far-reaching economic and reputational benefits. It will signal our commitment to financial transparency and integrity while restoring Nigeria’s standing in the global financial community.”
Kekere-Ekun was pleased with the wide range of attendees at the session, including important regulatory players, which she said demonstrated the group’s dedication to bolstering Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.
Justice Salisu Abdullahi, the National Judicial Institute’s administrator, stated that the judges’ enlightenment campaign was intended to strengthen the federal government’s determination to guarantee Nigeria’s expulsion from the FATF Grey List.
According to him, the workshop is in line with the NJI’s mission to support judicial officers’ ongoing education in order to increase the effectiveness, consistency, and quality of judicial services.
Kekere-Ekun was pleased with the wide range of attendees at the session, including important regulatory players, which she said demonstrated the group’s dedication to bolstering Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.
Justice Salisu Abdullahi, the National Judicial Institute’s administrator, stated that the judges’ enlightenment campaign was intended to strengthen the federal government’s determination to guarantee Nigeria’s expulsion from the FATF Grey List.
According to him, the workshop is in line with the NJI’s mission to support judicial officers’ ongoing education in order to increase the effectiveness, consistency, and quality of judicial services.
Earlier, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s dedication to helping Nigeria fight money laundering. According to her, money laundering costs Nigeria more than $16 billion a year.
