EFCC assesses terrorism financing risks in Niger NPOs

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has commenced an assessment of non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Niger State's susceptibility to terrorism financing, according to the commission's Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML). The objective is to pinpoint weaknesses that could potentially enable legitimate entities to be exploited for illicit financial activities.

Assistant Commander Tope Erinnomo, representing the EFCC delegation during their visit to the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in Minna, shared that the team intends to collaborate with pertinent state agencies to evaluate the risks and vulnerabilities surrounding NPOs, thereby enhancing preventive measures against their misuse for terrorism financing.

These agencies include the State Planning Commission, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Ministry of Homeland Security, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

Erinnomo also delivered a presentation on the process of NPO risk assessment, covering the spectrum of terrorism financing risks that non-profit organisations might face. The Secretary to the State Government assured the EFCC delegation of the state government's cooperation, promising to facilitate interactions with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.

Usman underscored the necessity for improved coordination and information-sharing among various government institutions and stakeholders to thwart the misuse of legitimate organisations for illicit financial purposes.