The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is set to launch the Nigeria Chapter of the global Women in Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Network as part of efforts to strengthen women’s leadership and professional collaboration in the fight against financial crime.
According to an official statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, the Nigeria Chapter of the Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network will be launched on 6 October 2026. The initiative is aimed at promoting women’s leadership, mentorship, professional development and collaboration across Nigeria’s AML/CFT/CPF community.
The statement noted that the initiative aligns with the global Women in AML/CFT/CPF movement established during the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Singapore Presidency and expanded under the Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo of Mexico. The Network has evolved into a platform for empowering women professionals through mentorship, knowledge sharing, leadership development and professional excellence.
Bakari said women have continued to make significant contributions across Nigeria’s AML/CFT/CPF landscape, both in the public and private sectors, spanning financial intelligence, investigations, regulation and supervision, compliance, risk management, legal advisory, financial services, fintech innovation and corporate governance.
She explained that the Network would provide a platform for experienced professionals to mentor the next generation, foster stronger collaboration across institutions and prepare more women to assume leadership roles in advancing Nigeria’s financial integrity and security architecture.
The Nigeria Chapter will bring together women from Financial Intelligence Units, law enforcement agencies, regulatory institutions, financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, academia and development organisations. Through mentorship programmes, technical exchanges, networking opportunities and capacity-building initiatives, the Network is expected to strengthen professional development and deepen collaboration across the AML/CFT/CPF ecosystem.
The statement further disclosed that Nigeria would advocate through the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) for the establishment of a West Africa Chapter of the Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network. The regional initiative is expected to enhance mentorship, knowledge sharing and cooperation among women professionals while reinforcing the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing across West Africa.
The NFIU also encouraged women working across the AML/CFT/CPF ecosystem to join the initiative and contribute to building an inclusive professional network dedicated to leadership, innovation and excellence in combating financial crimes.
