EFCC to NGOs: Be Vigilant, Stay Compliant with Anti-Terror and Money Laundering Laws
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on non-profit organisations across the country to stay alert and ensure they don’t unknowingly fall foul of laws on terrorism financing and money laundering.
This message was delivered on Tuesday during a training session in Abeokuta, Ogun State, organized by Global Rights for civil society groups and NGOs. Speaking at the event, EFCC Assistant Inspector Monye Ekene stressed the need for all NGOs to register properly and meet the legal requirements designed to protect Nigeria’s financial and security systems.
“NGOs must not only register with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” Ekene said, “they must also obtain a certificate from our Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML). This isn’t just a formality, it’s a step toward safeguarding their work and preventing abuse by bad actors.”
He explained that under the current laws, NGOs are expected to screen their donors, staff, and board members to ensure they are not tied to terrorist networks or involved in moving illegal funds. They’re also required to report suspicious transactions and submit quarterly and annual activity reports to the EFCC.
Ekene pointed out that the SCUML certificate is completely free and available online, warning organisations not to fall prey to scammers who charge huge sums sometimes up to N1 million for what should cost nothing.
“There are penalties for organisations that don’t comply,” he warned. “But our goal is to ensure NGOs know the rules so they can keep doing good work without legal trouble.”
Also speaking at the event, Damilola Decker, Programme Manager for Civil Space Strengthening at Global Rights, appealed for a more supportive environment for civil society organisations. While he agreed on the need for regulation, he noted that the current landscape can be overwhelming.
“Many of these organisations are genuinely trying to make life better for people supporting the vulnerable, filling gaps government can’t always reach,” Decker said. “But they’re caught between different agencies EFCC, CAC, FIRS all demanding registration, reports, and compliance with overlapping rules.”
He said the aim of the training, which is supported by the European Union, is to help CSOs better understand the legal frameworks they operate within, and reduce the risk of unintentional non-compliance.
“Most of them are doing this work with good intentions,” he added. “But good intentions alone aren’t enough. Once you know the law, you must follow it because ignorance won’t protect you in court.”
The training is part of a broader initiative happening in seven states across Nigeria: Ogun, Oyo, and Osun in the Southwest; Ebonyi and Anambra in the Southeast; and Akwa Ibom and Cross River in the South-South.
The key takeaway? As NGOs work hard to build a better society, they must also protect themselves by staying informed, compliant, and transparent every step of the way.
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