The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges to take a leading role in the fight against financial crimes, emphasizing that the nation’s legal system must not become a facilitator of illicit financial flows.
Speaking in Abuja during a sensitization programme focused on anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, and countering proliferation financing, Kekere-Ekun stressed the importance of a coordinated effort between the judiciary, legal professionals, law enforcement, and anti-corruption agencies in addressing these challenges.
The event, which aimed to assess risks associated with financial crimes, was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Chief Justice, Tobi Soniyi.
According to the statement, Kekere-Ekun called for enhanced collaboration to ensure that Nigeria is removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring, commonly known as the “Grey List.”
“The success of any Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime depends on the 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,” Kekere-Ekun said.
The CJN also highlighted the significant economic impact of Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List, noting that it has hindered investor confidence and disrupted financial transactions, thereby affecting the country’s broader economic outlook.
“The anticipated delisting from this category is not just 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.
Kekere-Ekun expressed satisfaction with the diversity of participants at the workshop, noting the engagement of key regulatory stakeholders as a reflection of a collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.
Justice Salisu Abdullahi, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, emphasized that the sensitization programme for judges was aligned with the federal government’s efforts to facilitate Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List. He also pointed out that the workshop was consistent with the NJI’s mandate to promote efficiency, uniformity, and the continuous improvement of judicial services.
In a related remark, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against money laundering. She revealed that Nigeria loses over $16 billion annually to money laundering activities.
