CHRIS EBONG, LAGOS
The Commissioner for Insurance/CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, has reiterated his commitment to collaborating with Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in removing Nigeria in from the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) grey list and establishing a sustainable and effective AML/CFT framework.
Omosehin, disclosed this when along with his management team, welcomed the Management team of the NFIU led by Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, its Chief Executive Officer, during their courtesy visit to the Commission on Thursday, 11th July, 2024.
The Commissioner for Insurance, in his opening remark, expressed gratitude to the NFIU for the ongoing collaboration, highlighting the significant benefits that NAICOM has reaped from this partnership.
He commended the NFIU for their coordination and the progress made by institutions in meeting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements and ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards.
Additionally, he praised the joint inspections, training sessions, awareness creation initiatives, and the improved compliance levels demonstrated by insurance companies. Also, the CFI emphasised the need for continued periodic training and examination of regulated entities to maintain and enhance the integrity of the financial sector.
Similarly, Bakari, the Unit boss, reiterated the pivotal role of the NFIU as the central national agency in Nigeria, responsible for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence to competent authorities.
She underscored the purpose of this engagement which is to gather feedback on enhancing collaboration with various financial agencies, with the goal of removing Nigeria from the grey list and establishing a sustainable and effective AML/CFT framework.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen the partnership between NAICOM and NFIU, ensuring robust financial regulations and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
