The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) have emphasised the media’s role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

GIABA is a specialised institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The chief executive officer of NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, at the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) media outreach on Tuesday in Abuja, described journalists as indispensable partners in promoting accountability and transparency.

“Financial crime thrives in darkness, but accountability grows in the presence of informed public scrutiny. This engagement with the media is not merely a routine event but a strategic partnership.

“Money laundering and terrorist financing pose significant threats to national stability, as illicit funds often fuel organised crime, corruption, trafficking, and violent extremism.

“When such financial flows go undetected, they weaken institutions, distort economies, and undermine development efforts,” Ms Bakari said.

Ms Bakari said responsible media reporting on financial crimes would contribute to awareness creation, deterrence, and accountability.

She said the media served as a bridge between policymakers and citizens by translating technical information into actionable knowledge.

Ms Bakari urged media practitioners to go beyond merely reporting information to questioning, explaining, and illuminating issues to enhance public understanding.

“For over a decade, GIABA has recognised that the effectiveness of AML/CFT frameworks depended not only on laws and enforcement agencies but also on public understanding and civic vigilance,” she said.

Ms Bakari said the programme would facilitate the establishment of dedicated AML/CFT media desk officers in participating media organisations to improve specialised reporting and sustained engagement.

She said the programme would examine Nigeria’s national risk assessment on AML/CFT, emerging regional threats, and practical strategies for effective media engagement in combating financial crimes.

In his remarks, the director-general of GIABA, Edwin Harris, said the workshop would deepen journalists’ understanding of financial crimes and how to expose illicit financial activities.

Mr Harris, represented by Timothy Melaye, said GIABA was established in 2000 by the Authority of Heads of State and Government to safeguard member states’ economies from the proceeds of crime and terrorist financing.

He said GIABA also serves as a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body responsible for ensuring compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

Mr Harris said GIABA’s core mandates include promoting the implementation of international AML/CFT standards and facilitating regional cooperation.

He added that the body also organises mutual evaluations and supports member states in establishing Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).

Mr Harris said GIABA had recorded significant progress through capacity-building programmes, technical support, and sustained partnerships with international stakeholders.

He urged participants to see the training as an opportunity to renew their commitment to ethical journalism and contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

(NAN)