News
EFCC Seeks Stiffer Sanctions For Financial Crimes
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Farida Waziri has advocated stiffer sanctions for perpetrators of financial crimes.
Waziri spoke at a public hearing, midweek, held by the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes.
The hearing was on the bills for an Act to provide for measures to combat terrorism and related matters and one to repeal the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2004.
The Weekend Tide source reports that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and some other anti-money laundering agencies had placed Nigeria on their watch list.
The action led the Federal Government to inaugurate the Presidential Inter-Ministerial Committee to address identified weaknesses in the nation’s anti money laundering crusade. Waziri said the sanctions regime in the 2004 Act was not proportional as to discourage criminals, noting that the existing laws were ambiguous in defining the 20 offences the FATF categorised as money laundering and financial crimes.
“There is a need for the Money Laundering Prohibition Act (MLPA) to recognise and designate the 20 serious offences as recommended by the FATF.
“The bills, when passed, will also address the wide range of inadequacies in Nigeria’s AML/CFT legal framework as highlighted in country’s 2008 Mutual Evaluation Report by the FAFT and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA),” she said. According to her, Nigeria is rated non-compliant in majority of the FATF’s 40 recommendations, mainly on account of weakness in the country’s legal framework.
Waziri reminded the committee that Nigeria had been the target of review by the FATF on account of the weakness observed in the nation’s anti-money laundering regime and her readiness to combat terrorism.
She identified weak sanctions regime, inadequate provisions for customer, due diligence requirements, non-inclusion of politically exposed persons and lack of definition of suspicious transaction reporting as some of the weaknesses.
Waziri also cited the absence of legal protection for reporting institutions and persons and absence of legal provisions for the protection of information of Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
She said most countries have laws to protect informants so that they would not be endangered. “ We need to protect you (informants) so that we can encourage people to come forward, that is the whistle blowing we are talking about,” she said.
In his presentation, Mr Lanre Ipinmisho, Director-General of Nigeria Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said all stakeholders must play a role by collaborating with one another in fighting corruption and drug related offences.Ipinmisho said it was through collaboration of all anti graft agencies and security outfits that the issue of drug barons and corruption would be dealt with.“As the nation prepares for 2011 elections and we want our votes to count, the problems we have is not the laws to implement all these but the commitment and sincerity of all relevant agencies.“We have all the laws; we also need the officers to implement the laws without pressure from international friends to deal with the drug barons who were ready to use their ill gotten wealth to rig elections in their favour,’’ he said.Declaring open the public hearing, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, said that all terrorist acts are crimes under international law, adding that legislation and gathering of intelligence must be used to combat terrorism. Represented by the House leader, Hon. Tunde Akogun, Bankole, pledged early passage of the two bills.He assured that the House would ensure transparency, probity and accountability in legislating against terrorism, money laundering and corruption.Chairman of the committee, Rep. Rabe Nasir, said it was the responsibility of all stakeholders to fight terrorism and money laundering as both were capable of ruining a nation.Nasir, however, said the committee was dissatisfied with the efforts of anti graft agencies in combating money laundering.The Weekend Tide source reports that there were presentations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, NFIU, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps and Securities and Exchange Commission.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
News5 days ago
Libya Deports 80 Nigerian Migrants Over Illegal Stay
-
Business4 days agoInsecurity, Poor Power Supply Hamper Business Activities – Survey
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Speedy Execution Of Projects In Rivers
-
Ict/Telecom4 days ago
Scientists Advocate Shared Responsibility To Boost Food Security
-
Business4 days ago
VivaJets CEO Urges Unified Aviation Reforms Across Africa
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Sexual Harassment: Court Sentences UNICAL Prof To 5yrs Imprisonment
-
Sports5 days ago
D’Tigress shift focus to W’Cup qualifiers, After Friendlies
-
Sports4 days ago
Neglect, Mismangement Responsible For 2026 W’Cup Mishap – Barr Green