Abuja, Nigeria – The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judges to take a proactive role in combating financial crimes, ensuring that the nation’s legal system does not become a conduit for illicit financial flows.
Speaking in Abuja at a sensitization programme on anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), and proliferation financing risk assessment, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the urgent need for judicial collaboration with law enforcement, lawyers, and anti-graft agencies.
Her remarks were contained in a statement issued on Friday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi.
Judiciary’s Role in Nigeria’s FATF Grey List Removal
The CJN underscored the need for a coordinated response to financial crimes, stressing that the judiciary and key stakeholders must work together to ensure Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “Grey List”—a category for jurisdictions under increased monitoring for financial crime risks.
“The success of any AML/CFT regime hinges on synergy among key stakeholders. The Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, law enforcement agencies, anti-graft institutions, and financial regulators must work in concert to ensure a holistic and coordinated response to financial crimes,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further highlighted the economic consequences of Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List, warning that it erodes investor confidence, disrupts financial transactions, and weakens the country’s economic outlook.
“The anticipated delisting from this category is not merely a symbolic achievement but a tangible milestone with far-reaching economic and reputational benefits. It will signal our commitment to financial transparency and integrity while restoring Nigeria’s standing in the global financial community,” she added.
Judicial Training to Strengthen AML/CFT Framework
The programme, organized in partnership with key regulatory stakeholders, aims to educate judges on AML/CFT laws and bolster efforts to remove Nigeria from the FATF Grey List.
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Abdullahi, stated that the sensitization initiative aligns with the NJI’s mandate to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure uniformity in handling financial crime cases.
“This workshop is part of efforts to strengthen the federal government’s resolve to remove Nigeria from the Grey List and improve compliance with global anti-financial crime standards,” Abdullahi noted.
UK Pledges Support in Money Laundering Fight
Meanwhile, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating money laundering and illicit financial flows.
She revealed that Nigeria loses over $16 billion annually to money laundering and emphasized the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to mitigate financial crimes.
With growing international scrutiny on Nigeria’s financial integrity, stakeholders at the workshop called for enhanced judicial oversight and stricter enforcement of AML/CFT regulations to restore the country’s credibility in the global financial system.