ICPC wants media to lead awareness drive against money laundering, terror financing

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the media to play a more strategic and proactive role in shaping public perception and sustaining momentum in Nigeria’s fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Chairman of the Commission, Musa Adamu Aliyu, made the call during a 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 Okor Odey, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications,  Aliyu described the media as an indispensable partner in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity and democratic institutions.

He warned that money laundering and terrorist financing remain among the most destabilising threats to national security and economic stability, with far-reaching consequences that erode public trust, distort markets and deprive citizens of critical development resources.

Aliyu noted that the rapid evolution of financial crimes, driven by digital technology, social media and artificial intelligence, has significantly complicated detection efforts.

According to him, criminal networks now exploit speed and anonymity to move illicit funds across borders, making it imperative for stakeholders to adopt more sophisticated countermeasures.

While commending the NFIU for deploying advanced analytics and real-time transaction monitoring systems, the ICPC chairman stressed that technology alone cannot win the fight without strong public engagement driven by the media.

“The media must go beyond information dissemination to intentionally promote anti-corruption ideals and financial integrity.

“Investigative journalism, public interest programming and responsible reporting are vital tools for exposing illicit financial flows and deterring wrongdoing,” he said.

He further emphasised the deep connection between corruption and money laundering, calling for a whole-of-society approach in which journalists act as active collaborators in exposing financial crimes.

Also speaking, Hafsat Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, highlighted the shared responsibility between journalists and financial intelligence institutions in advancing transparency and accountability.

“Journalists turn the light of truth on critical issues, while we trace financial flows to ensure that illicit networks do not operate in the shadows.

“This partnership is essential in strengthening accountability and responsible governance,” she said.

Edwin Harris Jr., Director-General of GIABA., represented by Timothy Melaye, underscored the importance of the media in West Africa’s collective response to financial crimes.

He noted that GIABA, a specialised institution of ECOWAS, is mandated to ensure compliance with global AML/CFT standards, including those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Harris called on journalists to deepen their understanding of AML/CFT issues and communicate them in clear, accessible language, adding that the initiative would help build a regional network of reporters focused on economic and financial crimes.

Similarly, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, represented by Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating corruption and financial crimes.

He described the media as a powerful force in shaping national discourse and educating citizens on the dangers of illicit financial activities, noting that Nigeria has strengthened its financial architecture through improved monitoring systems, inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships.

While acknowledging challenges such as the technical complexity of AML/CFT reporting, as well as safety and ethical concerns faced by journalists, Idris called for sustained collaboration and continuous capacity building within the media sector.

In the same vein, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by Olubunmi Ikupolati, emphasised that beyond legal frameworks, public awareness remains critical in tackling financial crimes.

He noted that a well-informed citizenry is better positioned to identify and report suspicious activities, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening AML/CFT frameworks through enhanced intelligence sharing and institutional support.

The outreach brought together media professionals, regulators and key stakeholders, serving as a platform to deepen collaboration, enhance capacity and improve public understanding of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts in Nigeria.

Participants expressed optimism that the engagement would catalyse more impactful reporting and foster a stronger, unified front against financial crimes nationwide.