Nigeria wins prestigious global award for financial intelligence collaboration

Nigeria has earned a prestigious global honor for its efforts in fighting financial crime, securing the UNODC–World Bank–Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award. The award, presented at the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary in Baku, Azerbaijan, celebrates outstanding cases that demonstrate innovation, international cooperation, and significant impact in combating money laundering and other financial crimes.

The winning case highlighted the successful collaboration between Nigeria's Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Intelligence generated by the NFIU was crucial in supporting EFCC investigations, leading to the recovery of assets and the disruption of illicit financial networks. Hafsat Bakari, CEO of the NFIU, called the award a "proud moment for Nigeria and a powerful affirmation of the quality, professionalism and impact of our financial intelligence architecture." She praised the EFCC for its commitment to inter-agency cooperation.

“

proud moment for Nigeria and a powerful affirmation of the quality, professionalism and impact of our financial intelligence architecture.

The Egmont Group, comprising over 186 Financial Intelligence Units worldwide, is a key platform for exchanging intelligence and fostering operational collaboration. Nigeria's recognition signals increasing confidence from international partners in the country's ability to generate actionable intelligence and achieve tangible enforcement outcomes. This award validates Nigeria's reforms to strengthen its financial system and positions it as a significant player in global anti-illicit finance efforts.

Bakari acknowledged the award as both a celebration and a responsibility, stating, "Financial crime is becoming increasingly complex, transnational and technology-driven. This award strengthens our resolve to continue investing in intelligence-led approaches and deepening cooperation with domestic and international partners." Nigeria's win follows its successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025, marking a significant improvement in its global financial credibility.

“

Financial crime is becoming increasingly complex, transnational and technology-driven. This award strengthens our resolve to continue investing in intelligence-led approaches and deepening cooperation with domestic and international partners.