NBA Partners With ICPC To Combat Money Laundering And Terrorism Financing
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has joined forces with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enhance efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing in Nigeria. This partnership will focus on training and sensitization programs for NBA members to bolster their capacity in these critical areas.
The collaboration was initiated during a courtesy visit by NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, and his team to ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Mr. Maikyau highlighted the NBA’s ongoing and future initiatives directly related to the ICPC’s mandate, seeking the Commission’s support for member training on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing in line with the NBA’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
“When we took office, we committed to actively fighting corruption, not just in words but in deeds. We integrated anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing guidelines into our Rules of Professional Conduct, with the assistance of the former Attorney-General of the Federation,” said Maikyau. He emphasized that this move obligates every legal practitioner to comply with these guidelines in their professional dealings.
Despite the rules being issued in June 2023 and set to take effect in January 2024, their implementation faced delays due to changes in leadership within major anti-corruption agencies and government transitions. Nonetheless, the NBA conducted its first sensitization workshop in Abuja on May 21, 2024, with plans for additional workshops in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Kano.
Dr. Musa Aliyu, ICPC Chairman, expressed gratitude for the NBA’s visit and praised the close relationship between the two organizations. He commended Mr. Maikyau’s efforts in incorporating the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing guidelines into the NBA’s professional conduct rules, recognizing it as a significant step in supporting anti-corruption efforts.
“Nigeria is blessed with individuals of high integrity, despite the presence of corrupt elements. Collaborative efforts like this are essential in tackling these challenges,” Dr. Aliyu remarked, assuring the NBA of the ICPC’s support in their sensitization programs.
The partnership between the NBA and ICPC marks a crucial step in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, ensuring legal practitioners are well-informed and actively participating in these efforts.
