NFIU Deploys Advanced AI and ML Tools to Enhance Operational Efficiency
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has taken a significant stride towards improving its operational efficiency with the deployment of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools into its technology platforms. The move is part of the NFIU’s broader initiative to enhance the speed and accuracy of its information and data analysis processes.
The announcement was made by Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, Director/CEO of the NFIU, at the opening session of the first NFIU Management Staff Retreat held in Abuja on Monday. Bakari emphasized that the implementation of cutting-edge technologies would greatly expedite the NFIU’s operational duties, facilitating quicker and more effective processing of intelligence.
Bakari also highlighted the NFIU’s commitment to creating a paperless working environment, in line with the federal government’s policy. The NFIU has already transitioned to a digital workflow and implemented the Crimes Records Information Management System (CRIMS), which enables secure and encrypted information sharing, enhancing the unit’s crime-related data management capabilities.
Recognizing the global nature of serious crimes and the cross-border movement of proceeds of crime, Bakari emphasized the NFIU’s strengthened international partnerships. These collaborations are vital for effectively addressing transnational threats and aligning Nigeria’s efforts with global standards in combating financial crimes.
The NFIU has implemented a robust and innovative organizational structure, prioritizing responses to high-risk predicate offenses. This framework ensures the provision of timely, credible, and actionable intelligence to stakeholders and partners, facilitating more effective cooperation with both domestic and international entities in tackling financial crimes comprehensively.
To support this new structure, the NFIU has initiated a strategic re-engagement exercise, gathering direct feedback from various agencies on their collaboration with the unit. These engagements have resulted in the formation of joint task forces and inter-agency committees aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation in the fight against criminal activities. Additionally, the NFIU has extensively engaged with the private sector, leveraging their reports to shape internal operations.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised the NFIU’s relentless efforts in combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing (ML/TF), and Proliferation Financing. He emphasized the importance of the NFIU’s initiatives in ensuring Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by May 2025.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), expressed appreciation for the NFIU’s swift responses to information requests. He revealed that the NDLEA received 76 reports from the NFIU in 2024, leading to significant recoveries and convictions. Marwa urged the NFIU to further improve its turnaround time for responding to requests, emphasizing the unit’s crucial role in the fight against criminality.
Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor on Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), highlighted the significance of a strong regulatory regime to prevent criminals from exploiting the financial system. Abdullahi expressed confidence in the NFIU’s leadership to guide the country towards a secure financial future.
Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), commended the intelligence provided by the NFIU, which has been instrumental in identifying suspects, uncovering illegal refineries, and securing convictions. Audi appreciated the deployment of CRIMS, emphasizing the need for its further improvement and expansion to enhance state commands’ operational capabilities, especially in the Niger Delta region.
