EFCC Boss Olukoyede Warns NPOs Against Being Used For Terrorism Financing

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has cautioned Non-Profit Organisations, NPOs, across the country to guide against infiltration by terrorist networks that seek to exploit the sector for acts of terrorism against the state.

He gave the warning in Abuja on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the launch of the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, NTFRA, for NPOs.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC’s boss appreciated the crucial roles NPOs are playing in Nigeria’s socio-economic framework, noting that they continue to provide humanitarian aid, support vulnerable populations, promote education and healthcare, and assist the government in delivering essential social services.

He further stressed that, for their sterling roles, NPOs are recognized by the Financial Action Task Force, FATF but cautioned that, without appropriate safeguards, they could be susceptible to exploitation for terrorist financing. While appreciating the contributions of NPOs in helping Nigeria exit the FATF’s grey list in 2025, he pointed out that, “it is therefore crucial to protect the integrity of this significant sector, not only to ensure national security but also to maintain public trust and confidence in the legitimate activities of charitable organizations.”

Olukoyede explained that the initiation of the NTFRA for the NPO sector signifies another essential advancement in solidifying achievements already made, asserting that the current assessment will offer an evidence-based comprehension of the nature, extent, and factors contributing to terrorist financing risks within the sector. He noted that it will inform the creation of appropriate and risk-based regulatory and supervisory measures.

While seeking the buy-in of stakeholders in the NTFRA, he stressed that, “your cooperation, transparency, and contributions will be vital in ensuring that this risk assessment accurately mirrors the realities of the sector and fortifies Nigeria’s overall AML/CFT framework. With that said, it is my honor and privilege to officially launch the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Organization Sector in Nigeria,” he said.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Baguda, expressed gratitude to the EFCC and SCUML for uniting civil society organizations, describing the initiative as crucial in the battle against money laundering and terrorist financing. He urged all attendees to take the event seriously, emphasizing that their efforts and commitment are crucial. He reiterated the necessity for strong collaboration and knowledge sharing, adding that it would create a substantial impact in the fight against economic crimes.

“Your commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and community involvement is admirable, and it is uplifting to witness civil society and government collaborating closely to enhance financial integrity in our country”, he said.

The Director of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Harry Erin, appreciated all the stakeholders for their commitment to enhancing the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the NPO sector in Nigeria. While applauding NPOs for their crucial roles in national development, he noted that the NTFRA will allow Nigeria to reassess changes in the terrorism financing risk profile of the NPO sector since the last evaluation in 2023, with the intention of refining the existing risk-based supervisory approach to align with current realities, considering the significant progress made in the sector since the previous assessment.

“At the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), we are dedicated to collaborating with the NPO sector, government agencies, and development partners to ensure that the regulatory framework is supportive, transparent, and in accordance with international best practices.

I therefore urge all stakeholders present here today to engage actively in this risk assessment process. Your contributions, data, and experiences will be essential in ensuring that the results of this exercise accurately reflect the realities of the sector and facilitate effective policy development” , he said.

EFCC

Director of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Nigeria Forum, Mr. Ndubisi Emeka Anyanwu, commended SCUML for the initiative to review the 2022 NTFRA of the NPOs. According to him, the periodic review of national risk assessments is a vital best practice, adding that it demonstrates institutional commitment to risk-based supervision and reflects Nigeria’s resolve to remain aligned with international standards in combating terrorist financing.

Expressing active support for NTFRA, “we would like to reiterate, on this occasion, the Nigeria INGO Forum’s commitment to ongoing and proactive collaboration with SCUML and the EFCC. As the coordination platform for 55 international NGOs operating in Nigeria, NIF is ideally positioned to act as a reliable intermediary between the regulatory community and the wider non-profit sector”.