The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has received international acclaim after emerging winner of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, World Bank and Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award.
The award was conferred on the agency during the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in recognition of its successful joint investigation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Organisers of the award said the recognition highlights the role of effective financial intelligence, strong collaboration among agencies and international cooperation in facilitating successful investigations, recovering stolen assets and dismantling illicit financial networks.
The honour further strengthens Nigeria’s position in global efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and other forms of cross-border financial crimes.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, described the award as a significant achievement for Nigeria and an endorsement of the agency’s commitment to professionalism and impactful financial intelligence operations.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a powerful affirmation of the quality, professionalism and impact of our financial intelligence architecture,” Bakari said.
She commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and officials of the commission for their dedication to partnership and operational effectiveness, stressing that the award reflected the value of intelligence-led collaboration among Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
According to her, the recognition demonstrates the importance of strong financial intelligence systems in tracing illegal funds, assisting complex investigations and recovering proceeds of corruption.
Bakari added that the NFIU would continue to strengthen cooperation with local and international partners, adopt modern intelligence solutions and improve Nigeria’s ability to respond to evolving financial crimes.
The StAR Initiative, jointly established by the UNODC and the World Bank, provides support to countries in identifying, tracing and recovering assets obtained through corruption and other illicit activities.
Meanwhile, the Egmont Group serves as an international platform for Financial Intelligence Units worldwide, promoting cooperation and information exchange in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and related offences.