Nigeria is set to launch the Nigeria Chapter of the 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 development in the fight against financial crimes.
The initiative will be championed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and Nigeria’s National Correspondent to the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, with the launch scheduled for October 6, 2026.
The CEO who made this known in a statement explained 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 leadership of Elisa de Anda Madrazo of Mexico.
The network provides a platform for mentorship, knowledge sharing, leadership development and professional advancement among women working in the anti-financial crime sector.
Press Statement on Nigeria Chapter of Global Women in AML CFT Network
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Bakari said women have continued to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s AML/CFT/CPF framework across government institutions and the private sector.
She noted that women professionals are playing key roles in financial intelligence, investigations, regulation, supervision, compliance, risk management, legal advisory, financial services, fintech innovation and corporate governance.
“The Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network will provide a platform for experienced professionals in both public and private sectors to mentor the next generation, encourage greater collaboration across institutions and ensure that more women are equipped to take on leadership roles in shaping the future of financial integrity and security,” the CEO stated.
The Nigeria Chapter will bring together women professionals from financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, 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 support a stronger and more connected AML/CFT/CPF community in Nigeria.
As part of efforts to expand regional cooperation, Nigeria will also advocate through GIABA for the establishment of a West Africa Chapter of the Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network.
The proposed regional platform is expected to extend mentorship, professional development and knowledge-sharing opportunities to women professionals across West Africa while strengthening collective efforts against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
