NBA AML Committee Receives ICT Equipment, Launches Web Portal To Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Efforts

The Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NBA AMLC) on March 4, 2025 marked a significant milestone with the official handover and presentation of ICT equipment and the launch of a new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) web portal.

The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), organised the handover ceremony at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja. The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funded the event.

Delivering a welcome address, the Co-Chair of the NBA AMLC, Prof Ernest Ojukwu, SAN expressed profound gratitude to the African Center for its steadfast commitment and partnership. He also extended appreciation to the NBA leadership, particularly President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his unwavering support. Ojukwu emphasised the importance of equipping the committee to effectively discharge its responsibilities, especially as Nigeria continues its efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

In his opening remarks, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasised the critical role of the NBA AMLC in Nigeria’s journey toward grey list removal. He praised the African Center, its partners, and funders for their initiative in developing a secure AML web portal where Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) can be submitted safely and confidentially.

Representing the Executive Director of the African Center, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele highlighted the urgent need to support the NBA AMLC through a comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) risk assessment for Nigeria’s legal sector. She warned that without such critical tools and initiatives, Nigeria risks non-compliance with FATF recommendations—an outcome that could result in international sanctions and reputational damage.

While presenting the ICT equipment, Jehanzeb Khan, on behalf of the supporting organizations, expressed optimism that the tools and portal would strengthen the NBA AMLC’s capacity and ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list. He also commended the African Center for its impactful work and achievements within a short timeframe.

The launch demonstrates the NBA’s dedication to supporting national and global efforts to combat money laundering and promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.