Nigeria is set to take a bold step in advancing gender inclusion within its financial integrity ecosystem as Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), prepares to lead the official launch of the Nigeria Chapter of the Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network on October 6, 2026.
The initiative signals Nigeria’s growing commitment to strengthening women’s leadership, professional development, and collaboration in combating financial crimes such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
The launch aligns with the global Women in AML/CFT/CPF movement, a strategic platform established during the presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Singapore. The initiative further expanded under the leadership of Elisa de Anda Madrazo of Mexico, evolving into a powerful global network focused on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and leadership advancement for women in the AML/CFT/CPF space.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Bakari highlighted the critical role women continue to play across Nigeria’s financial intelligence architecture—from investigations and compliance to regulation, fintech, legal advisory, and corporate governance.
“The Women in AML/CFT/CPF Network will provide a platform for experienced professionals in both public and private sectors to mentor the next generation, encourage greater collaboration across institutions, and ensure more women take on leadership roles in shaping the future of financial integrity,” she stated.
The Nigeria Chapter is expected to bring together a diverse group of professionals, including representatives from financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), academia, and development organisations.
In a forward-looking move, Nigeria also plans to push for a broader regional framework through the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), advocating for the establishment of a West Africa Chapter of the Network.
The NFIU has called on women across the AML/CFT/CPF ecosystem to take advantage of the initiative, describing it as a transformative platform designed to promote inclusion, innovation, and excellence in the global fight against financial crime.
