The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has underscored the vital role of the media in tackling money laundering and terrorist financing.
It described the media as an indispensable partner in protecting Nigeria’s economy and democratic institutions.
Aliyu disclosed this at the National Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Media Outreach held in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa.
Represented by ICPC spokesperson John Odey, Aliyu described money laundering and terrorist financing as major threats to national security and economic stability.
He warned that such crimes erode public trust, distort markets, and deprive citizens of resources meant for development.
According to the Commission, the growing sophistication of financial crimes—fueled by digital technology, social media, and artificial intelligence—has made detection increasingly difficult.
Criminal networks now exploit speed and anonymity to move illicit funds across borders.
Aliyu, however, commended the NFIU for adopting advanced analytics and real-time transaction monitoring systems, noting that technology-driven strategies are essential in staying ahead of financial criminals.
He also called on the media to go beyond simply reporting events, urging journalists to actively promote anti-corruption values.
Investigative reporting
Aliyu highlighted investigative journalism, public interest programming, and responsible reporting as key tools in exposing illicit financial flows and deterring wrongdoing.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between journalists, financial intelligence bodies, and anti-corruption agencies.
She noted that all stakeholders must work together to uncover hidden financial networks and promote transparency.
Similarly, the Director-General of GIABA, Edwin Harris Jr, represented by Timothy Melaye, reaffirmed the media’s importance as a key stakeholder in the regional fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
