Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), to adhere to best practices in businesses and encourage its members to make integrity and ethical conduct their watchwords in their business engagements.
The Executive Chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa gave the charge while receiving a delegation of NACCIMA that paid a courtesy visit to the EFCC at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
Bawa, who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, George Ekpungu, said EFCC would always welcome business proposals that emphasize integrity and charged the leadership of NACCIMA to encourage its members to ply their businesses with eyes on best practices.
The National President of NACCIMA, John Udeagbala, said the visit to the EFCC, was to sought for exemption for its members from the rigorous processes of getting certificates of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.
“Our dear Association is aware of the suspension of the issuance of the Special Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML certificates. Over time, our members have complained of their difficulty in obtaining this certificate, which actually affected the ease of doing business and compliance with contractual engagements.”
“We therefore appeal to you to use your good offices to exempt NACCIMA members from passing through the rigorous application processes when the suspension is finally lifted” he pleaded.
Reasons for SCUML suspension
The EFCC Chairman explained that the Commission suspended the issuance of SCUML’s certificates in the aftermath of the enactment of the Money Laundering Act 2022 and the Terrorism Act 2022, which altered the regulatory framework of SCUML.
He said the foundational work had been done and the certificates were now being issued, assuring NACCIMA that the SCUML registration processes are designed to keep their businesses safe.
