The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges to take a frontline role in combating financial crimes and ensuring that the nation’s legal system does not facilitate illicit financial flows.
She made this call during a sensitization program on anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and proliferation financing risk assessment for the judiciary in Abuja.
In a statement released on Friday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN emphasized the need for collaboration among the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement, and anti-graft agencies.
She stressed that such synergy is crucial for Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, which includes jurisdictions under increased monitoring for financial crimes.
“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 highlighted the economic setbacks caused by Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List, noting that it undermines investor confidence, financial transactions, and the broader economic landscape.
Furthermore, she stressed that Nigeria’s removal from this category would be a major achievement with significant economic and reputational benefits.
“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 remarked.
The CJN also expressed satisfaction with the level of participation in the workshop, describing it as a sign of the collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.
Meanwhile, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Abdullahi, explained that the workshop was designed to support the federal government’s efforts to ensure Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List.
He noted that the NJI remains committed to improving judicial efficiency and ensuring that judges are well-equipped to handle financial crime cases effectively.
In addition, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support in the fight against money laundering.
She revealed that Nigeria loses over $16 billion annually to financial crimes, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and judicial accountability.
