The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has moved a step toward enhancing its operational efficiency by deploying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools into its technology platforms.
This development is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving the speed and accuracy of the NFIU’s information and data analysis processes.
Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) made this disclosure at the opening session of the first NFIU Management Staff Retreat held in Abuja yesterday.
According to her, the deployment of these cutting-edge technologies is intended to expedite the NFIU’s operational duties, allowing for quicker and more effective processing of intelligence.
In her address, Hajiya Bakari noted the NFIU’s commitment to aligning with the federal government’s policy of creating a paperless working environment.
She noted that the NFIU has already transitioned to a more digital workflow and has rolled out the Crimes Records Information Management System (CRIMS). This system facilitates secure and encrypted information sharing, enhancing the unit’s ability to manage crime-related data.
“The Unit is already in conformity with the federal government policy of a paperless working office environment,” she said. “Additionally, the Crimes Records Information Management System (CRIMS) has been deployed to more competent authorities and states of the federation to further support information sharing through a secured and encrypted tool.”
Recognizing the global nature of serious crimes and the fact that the proceeds of crime often cross borders, Hajiya Bakari noted that the NFIU has bolstered its international partnerships. She explained that these collaborations are crucial for effectively addressing transnational threats and aligning Nigeria’s efforts with global standards in combating financial crimes.
“Recognizing the myriad threats we face, the dynamic nature of the criminal environment, and the vulnerabilities that exist within our domestic context, we developed and implemented a robust and innovative organizational structure that aligns our capacities and resources to the sectors of the economy that are most vulnerable to abuse by money launderers and terrorist financiers,” Hajiya Bakari said.
This new organizational structure enables the NFIU to prioritize responses to the highest-risk predicate offenses, ensuring that the unit provides timely, credible, and actionable intelligence to its stakeholders and partners. The strengthened framework also facilitates more effective cooperation with both domestic and international entities, enhancing the unit’s ability to tackle financial crimes comprehensively.
To support this new structure, the NFIU has embarked on a strategic re-engagement exercise. Hajiya Bakari mentioned that the management has been actively visiting various agencies to gather direct feedback on their collaboration with the NFIU.
These engagements have led to the formation of several joint task forces and inter-agency committees, which are focused on strengthening cooperation in the fight against criminal activities. The NFIU has also engaged extensively with the private sector, leveraging reports from these entities to shape its internal operations.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi who was represented at the retreat, commended the NFIU for its relentless efforts in combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing (ML/TF), and Proliferation Financing. He emphasized that the NFIU’s initiatives are critical in ensuring Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by May 2025.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), also expressed his appreciation for the NFIU’s swift responses to information requests. He revealed that in 2024 alone, the NDLEA received 76 reports from the NFIU, which led to significant recoveries, including hotels, properties, and bank accounts, as well as several convictions. Marwa praised the NDLEA’s success in making over 52,000 arrests and destroying cannabis farms nationwide, attributing part of these successes to the intelligence provided by the NFIU. However, he urged the NFIU to further improve its turnaround time for responding to requests, stressing the unit’s vital role in the fight against criminality.
Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor on Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noted the importance of a strong regulatory regime to prevent criminals from exploiting the financial system. He noted that despite the progress made, there remain gaps that must be addressed through ongoing sensitization, dissuasive sanctions, and effective supervision. Abdullahi reiterated the CBN’s confidence in the NFIU’s leadership to guide the country toward a secure financial future.
The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, also spoke at the retreat, sharing that intelligence from the NFIU had been instrumental in identifying over 5,000 suspects, uncovering 300 illegal refineries, and securing 100 convictions. Audi expressed his appreciation for the deployment of CRIMS, which has improved information dissemination among stakeholders. However, he called for the system’s further improvement and its expansion to areas like the Niger Delta to enhance the operational capabilities of state commands.
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