Customs, WCO Launch 4-Week Mission to Combat Money Laundering

Custom-mades, WCO Launch 4-Week Mission to Combat Money Laundering

The Nigeria Customs Service( NCS)on Monday, 19 October 2026, inaugurated the World Customs Organisation(WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Mentoring Mission at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The objective, themed “Strengthening Nigeria Customs Service Capabilities to Effectively Detect and Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows,” intends to improve the Service’s capability to fight cross-border monetary criminal activities.

Moneyed by the United States Department of State, the four-week objective will range from 18 October to 13 November 2026. Activities will consist of sees to picked Customs developments in Lagos and essential allied firms, in addition to capacity-building training for officers in Lagos and Abuja.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the significance of collaborated efforts in combating cash laundering and the funding of terrorism, remembering the reforms carried out by federal government firms that resulted in Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2025.

The CGC worried the requirement for continual partnership amongst pertinent companies, keeping in mind that development in one organization should be matched by enhancements in others. He revealed self-confidence in the officers’ dedication to the workout, stating, “Competent officers who have enthusiasm for the task will offer you all the cooperation to guarantee we gain from other Customs administrations concerning what we are doing and how we can do much better.”

Following the CGC’s remarks, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy (S&RP), Nafiu Isiaku, presented the WCO delegation consisting of Jorge Lasmar, Lisa Vallese and Laurent Szymkowiak.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Lasmar clarified targeted at enhancing the Service’s capability and efficiency. “The objective is not an evaluation of Customs operations, however an engagement focused on more reinforcing the capability of the Nigeria Customs Service.” He stated.

Lasmar thanked the NCS and the CGC for their assistance and cooperation, ensuring that the group would send an extensive report at the end of the objective.

The engagement is anticipated to support the Service’s efforts to reinforce its capability to identify and interfere with illegal monetary circulations through enhanced proficiency and partnership with pertinent companies.