EFCC Warns Businesses Against Aiding Criminals, Urges Compliance with Money Laundering Act

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to ensure full compliance with the Money Laundering Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2022.

This warning was issued during a sensitization programme organized by the EFCC’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).

EFCC’s Acting Director for Lagos, Michael Wetkaz, highlighted the global efforts to combat terrorism and warned businesses not to provide a safe haven for criminal elements. “The financial institutions have been regulated, and terrorism has become a global concern. Nations have tightened measures to ensure criminals have no space to operate,” Wetkaz said.

He urged DNFBPs, which include casinos, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, lawyers, and other professionals, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “If you allow these criminal activities to pass through your businesses, it will worsen the insecurity situation in the country,” he cautioned.

Aminu Ahmed, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, reminded operators to report currency transactions above N5 million for individuals and N10 million for corporate bodies. He emphasized the importance of appointing compliance officers and adhering to anti-money laundering regulations.

The training also covered topics such as beneficial ownership, financial sanctions, and reporting requirements for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), with ACE II officer Folasade Oluwasanya stressing the importance of awareness in curbing financial crimes.

Minister pledges sustained investment in agricultural production in FCT

Dr Mariya Mahmoud,  Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged the FCT administration’s commitment to sustaining investment in agricultural production in the territory.

Mahamoud said this at the inauguration of the disbursement of grants to beneficiaries of the 4th batch of the FCT Fadama Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Programme, on Thursday in Gwagwalada.

She said the initiative is aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods for the poor and vulnerable agricultural households in the territory.

The minister said the FCT Fadama CARES Programme would increase food security and the safe functioning of the food supply chain in the FCT.

She said the programme was designed to support the recovery of livelihood activities of the poor and vulnerable persons engaged in the agricultural value chain, with consideration to women and youths.

According to her, it is gratifying to note that within the first year of the current administration in the FCT, the Fadama CARES programme has disbursed grants to 3,150 beneficiaries under the third batch.

Mahmoud said the programme would provide grants to an additional 6,020 new beneficiaries under the fourth batch.

She said that 9,170 beneficiaries would benefit from the programme during the first year of the current FCT administration.

Fuel Hike: ACCI warns of looming economic crises

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has warned that the recent increase in fuel prices in the country can lead to severe economic crises.

The ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

Obegolu said the price hike could have widespread repercussions, particularly on the business community, which was already grappling with inflationary pressures and high exchange rates.

According to him, the increase in fuel prices directly exacerbates the cost of operations for businesses across all sectors.

He said: “as fuel is a critical input in production and transportation, the price spike will lead to a corresponding rise in operational expenses.

“This escalation inevitably will result in higher prices for goods and services, which diminishes consumer purchasing power and reduces demand,” he said.

The ACCI boss emphasised the vulnerability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which formed the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

Obegolu said that businesses already operating on narrow margins, were especially susceptible to the adverse effects of the rising costs and had limited capacity to absorb such shocks.

“We also anticipate potential disruptions in the supply chain due to increased transportation costs, which can further exacerbate the challenges businesses are currently facing.

“The fuel price increase was neither anticipated nor expected, especially as the nation is still reeling from the effects of a previous price hike.

“The recent unrest, culminating in a 10-day industrial strike tagged #EndBadGovernance saw business activities severely disrupted, with incidents of looting and property destruction adding to the woes of the business community,” he said.

Obegolu called on the Federal Government to take immediate action by reversing the fuel price hike and reducing living costs rather than imposing additional financial burdens on Nigerians.

He pointed out that businesses struggling to survive may be forced to shut down, while those already closed might find it impossible to recover without government intervention.

Obegolu cited a recent roundtable organised by the ACCI on “Implementing an Effective Price Control System in Nigeria”.

He said stakeholders at the meeting, including government officials, policymakers and industry experts, discussed the need for a robust regulatory framework to address the rising cost of goods and services.

He said the discussions reiterated the importance of price control in stabilising the economy and protecting consumers.

The ACCI boss cautioned that the recent fuel price hike could further aggravate Nigeria’s economic situation.

The chamber urged the government to prioritise the construction of modular refineries, which would reduce the nation’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products and foster a more sustainable economic environment.

Obegolu then restated ACCI’s commitment to continually advocate for policies that could create a conducive business environment and promote long-term economic growth in Nigeria.