Non-profit organisations (NPOs) nationwide have been warned by Mr Ola Olukoyede, executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take precautions against being infiltrated by terrorist networks that aim to use the sector for acts of terrorism against the state. The executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned non-profit organisations, NPOs, across the country to guard against infiltration by terrorist networks that seek to exploit the sector for acts of terrorism against the state.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, he issued the warning at the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment (NTFRA) for NPOs’ launch in Abuja.
The head of the EFCC expressed gratitude for the vital roles NPOs play in Nigeria’s socioeconomic framework through his chief of staff, Mr Michael Nzekwe, pointing out that they continue to support vulnerable populations, offer humanitarian aid, advance healthcare and education, and help the government provide vital social services.
He also emphasised that NPOs are acknowledged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for their excellent work, but he warned that they could be used to finance terrorism if proper safeguards aren’t in place. He noted that “it is therefore crucial to protect the integrity of this significant sector, not only to ensure national security but also to maintain public trust and confidence in the legitimate activities of charitable organisations” while praising NPOs’ contributions to Nigeria’s 2025 removal from the FATF’s grey list.
Olukoyede stated that the current assessment will provide an evidence-based understanding of the nature, extent, and factors contributing to terrorist financing risks within the sector and that the launch of the NTFRA for the NPO sector represents another crucial step in solidifying accomplishments already made. It will guide the development of suitable and risk-based regulatory and supervisory measures, he said.
He emphasised that “your cooperation, transparency, and contributions will be vital in ensuring that this risk assessment accurately mirrors the realities of the sector and fortifies Nigeria’s overall AML/CFT framework,” as he sought the support of NTFRA stakeholders. Having said that, he declared, “I am honoured and privileged to formally introduce the National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Organisation Sector in Nigeria.”
Senator Abubakar Atiku Baguda, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, thanked the EFCC and SCUML for bringing together civil society organisations, characterising the effort as vital in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. He emphasised the importance of everyone’s efforts and dedication and asked everyone to take the event seriously. Strong cooperation and knowledge exchange are essential, he emphasised, and they will have a significant impact on the battle against economic crimes.
“It is encouraging to see civil society and government working closely to improve financial integrity in our country, and your dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and community involvement is admirable,” he stated.
DCE Harry Erin, Deputy Commander of the EFCC and Director of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), expressed gratitude to all parties involved for their dedication to improving the honesty, openness, and responsibility of Nigeria’s non-profit sector. The NTFRA will enable Nigeria to reevaluate changes in the terrorism financing risk profile of the NPO sector since the last evaluation in 2023 to refine the current risk-based supervisory approach to align with current realities, given the significant progress made in the sector since the previous assessment, he said, praising NPOs for their vital roles in national development.
“At the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), we are committed to working with government organisations, development partners, and the nonprofit sector to make sure that the regulatory framework is transparent, supportive, and compliant with global best practices.
As a result, I implore everyone in attendance to actively participate in this risk assessment process. In order to ensure that the outcomes of this exercise appropriately reflect the realities of the sector and enable effective policy development, your contributions, data, and experiences will be crucial, he stated.
Mr Ndubisi Emeka Anyanwu, Director of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), Nigeria Forum, praised SCUML for taking the initiative to examine the NPOs’ 2022 NTFRA. In addition to demonstrating institutional commitment to risk-based supervision and reflecting Nigeria’s determination to stay in line with international standards in the fight against terrorist financing, he claims that the regular review of national risk assessments is an essential best practice.
“We would like to reiterate, on this occasion, the Nigeria INGO Forum’s commitment to ongoing and proactive collaboration with SCUML and the EFCC,” the statement said, indicating active support for NTFRA. NIF is well-positioned to serve as a trustworthy bridge between the regulatory community and the larger non-profit sector because it serves as the coordination platform for 55 international NGOs that operate in Nigeria.
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