The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an assessment of non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Niger State to identify vulnerabilities that could expose them to terrorism financing and other illicit financial activities.
The exercise is being carried out by the commission’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) as part of efforts to strengthen safeguards within the non-profit sector.
The leader of the EFCC delegation, Assistant Commander Tope Erinnomo, disclosed this on Tuesday when the team visited the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, in Minna.
Erinnomo said the delegation would engage relevant state agencies to assess the threats and vulnerabilities confronting NPOs and develop stronger measures to prevent legitimate organisations from being exploited for terrorism financing.
The agencies expected to participate in the exercise include the State Planning Commission, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ministry of Homeland Security, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
During the visit, Erinnomo also delivered a presentation on NPO risk assessment and the various terrorism financing risks faced by non-profit organisations.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government assured the EFCC delegation of the state government’s full cooperation.
Usman said his office would facilitate the team’s engagement with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the assessment.
He also emphasised the importance of stronger coordination and information-sharing among government institutions and other stakeholders to prevent legitimate organisations from being exploited for illicit financial activities.
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