The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its efforts to fight illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through a training program on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The event took place at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The session was held on Monday, 4 May 2026, as part of the Service’s first-quarter operational review and training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit. It focused on improving capacity, promoting ethical standards, and strengthening collaboration among agencies.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative shows the growing importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and within Nigeria’s wider financial and security framework.

He noted that the impact of the Unit reaches beyond seaports, airports, and border stations, and added that its achievements over the past year have made it a key part of protecting the nation’s financial system.

ACG Shuaibu also pointed to improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, noting that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now usable globally, allowing seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion.

“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.

He further emphasised that postings to the AML/CFT Unit should be seen as chances for career growth and capacity development, not as punishment. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to align operations with global standards.

Also speaking, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in carrying out duties.

“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.

He urged officers to keep building their skills through training and to lead by example, while maintaining high standards of punctuality, fairness, and professionalism.

Sunusi also highlighted the need for effective collaboration and conflict resolution within the Service, noting that strong internal teamwork is essential for operational success.

Participants were advised to stay vigilant, maintain high morale, and carry out their duties without bias. They were also warned against sharing sensitive information without authorisation and told to follow established communication protocols strictly.

The session included a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs Faisal Abubakar on service correspondence, where officers were guided on its importance and use in official communication.

In his remarks, National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Mas’ud Salihu, highlighted how financial crimes are evolving, noting that illegal activities are increasingly moving into digital and virtual spaces.

He explained that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening enforcement, identifying operational gaps, and improving communication between field officers and management.

Salihu emphasised that sensitisation remains a key strategy in fighting financial crimes and urged officers to stay proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.

He commended participants for their engagement and thanked the management of the Service for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.