Nigeria has earned international recognition for its leadership in the fight against financial crime, securing the UNODC–World Bank–Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award at the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The award, regarded as one of the highest operational honours in the global financial intelligence community, celebrates outstanding cases that demonstrate innovation, international cooperation, and measurable impact in combating money laundering and other serious financial crimes.
Nigeria’s winning case highlighted the successful collaboration between the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Intelligence generated by the NFIU played a pivotal role in supporting EFCC investigations, leading to asset recovery and disruption of illicit financial networks.
Reacting to the achievement, Hafsat Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, described the award as a “proud moment for Nigeria and a powerful affirmation of the quality, professionalism and impact of our financial intelligence architecture.”
She commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and his team for their commitment to inter-agency cooperation, noting that the recognition underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global anti-money laundering efforts.
