NFIU, EFCC win global anti-corruption award

Nigeria has earned global recognition in the fight against financial crime as the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the prestigious UNODC–World Bank–Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award at the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The award, regarded as one of the highest honours in the international financial intelligence community, was presented in recognition of an outstanding case that demonstrated innovation, effective intelligence sharing, international cooperation, operational excellence and successful asset recovery.

The recognition highlights the critical role played by the NFIU in providing actionable financial intelligence that supported investigations conducted by the EFCC, leading to significant enforcement outcomes. The award-winning case was praised for showcasing how intelligence gathering, professional analysis, inter-agency collaboration and cross-border cooperation can be effectively deployed to combat money laundering and other serious financial crimes.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, described the award as a proud moment for Nigeria and a strong endorsement of the country’s financial intelligence system.

According to her, the recognition demonstrates the professionalism, quality and impact of Nigeria’s financial intelligence architecture, while reaffirming the country’s growing contribution to global efforts against money laundering, terrorism financing and related crimes.

Bakari commended the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and officers of the commission for their commitment to collaboration and operational excellence, noting that the award underscores the importance of teamwork among institutions charged with protecting the nation’s financial system.

She also praised the staff of the NFIU, reporting entities and stakeholders whose timely financial reports and support continue to strengthen intelligence-led investigations across the country.

The Egmont Group, which comprises more than 186 Financial Intelligence Units worldwide, serves as the leading global platform for secure intelligence exchange and cooperation among member countries in the fight against illicit financial flows.

Observers say the award is a major boost to Nigeria’s international reputation, coming at a time when the country is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering measures, combating terrorism financing and enhancing compliance with global financial standards.

The recognition is also seen as evidence of increasing confidence among international partners in Nigeria’s ability to generate high-quality financial intelligence and translate it into tangible law enforcement results.

As global financial crimes become more sophisticated and technology-driven, the award places Nigeria among leading nations shaping international efforts to detect, disrupt and recover proceeds of crime.

For Nigeria, the honour represents not only a celebration of success but also a renewed commitment to deepen collaboration, strengthen intelligence capabilities and remain at the forefront of the global campaign against illicit financial activities.