Efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering compliance within Nigeria’s legal profession continue to receive a major boost, as the African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING CTT (NBAAMLC), convened a one-day Training of Trainers workshop under the FCDO-funded project, “Tackling Illicit Financial Flows through Asset Recovery, Management, and Strengthening ML/CFT/PF Compliance in Nigeria.”
The programme brought together about 34 NBA branch representatives at NBA House, Abuja, for intensive capacity building on AML/CFT compliance and the effective use of the STR Portal. It was designed to strengthen Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance within the legal profession by equipping participants with the knowledge and practical tools required to serve as compliance trainers in their respective branches.
Strengthening Compliance Capacity Across NBA Branches
Participants were drawn from multiple NBA branches across the North Central States, including Abuja, Keffi, Kabba, Ankpa, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Idah, Minna, Nyanya-Karu, Suleja, Pankshin, Jos, Shendam, Bukuru, Gboko, Makurdi, Okene, Lokoja, and a representative of FIDA.
The African Center’s Executive Director, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, represented by Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, emphasized that the training aims to build practical AML/CFT capacity that will help law firms and legal practitioners meet their reporting obligations effectively.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Babajide Ogundipe, Co-Chairman of the NBA AMLC, commended the African Center for its sustained partnership and reiterated the importance of strengthening the legal profession’s resilience against money laundering and terrorism financing risks.
Reinforcing Nigeria’s Post–Grey List Momentum
In a goodwill message on behalf of the FCDO, delivered by Anicetus Atakpu of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the workshop was part of broader efforts to safeguard the Nigerian legal sector against illicit finance risks. The message highlighted that while
Nigeria’s recent removal from the FATF grey list is a significant milestone, sustained compliance and documentation at the branch level remain critical to protecting the profession.
The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, in his keynote address, highlighted the legal profession’s critical gatekeeper role in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system. He cautioned practitioners against hiding behind client instructions and urged lawyers to adopt strong Know-Your-Client (KYC) practices, identify red flags, and comply fully with reporting obligations. He noted that the ToT model is intended to create a ripple effect, enabling trained representatives to cascade AML/CFT knowledge throughout NBA branches nationwide.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions covering:
- Overview of global and regional AML/CFT frameworks
- Legal and regulatory obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct (2023)
- Risk-based approach, KYC, and customer due diligence
- STR/SAR reporting requirements and red flag identification
- Hands-on training on the NBA AMLC Portal
Facilitators repeatedly emphasized that AML/CFT compliance is not optional but a professional safeguard that protects lawyers, their firms, and the broader financial system. Participants also received practical guidance on identifying suspicious transactions, managing high-risk clients, and navigating confidentiality obligations when filing reports.
Key Outcomes
The workshop recorded several important outcomes:
- Improved understanding of AML/CFT obligations among participants
- Strengthened capacity of branch representatives to serve as trainers
- Increased proficiency in the use of the NBA AMLC Portal
- Commitment by participants to conduct step-down trainings
- Enhanced awareness of ML/TF risks in legal practice
Next Steps
Participants committed to replicating the training at the branch level and to supporting wider awareness and sensitization activities. The African Center and NBA AMLC will continue to support branches in strengthening compliance systems across the legal profession.
