By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria has won the prestigious United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)-World Bank-Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery Award in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the 32nd Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units. The award recognises Nigeria, through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for its outstanding international cooperation, effective intelligence sharing, operational excellence and successful asset recovery efforts, reinforcing the country’s commitment to combating financial crimes.
Nigeria Earns Global Recognition
The international recognition marks another milestone in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes.
The award was presented during the 32nd Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units held in Baku, Azerbaijan. It acknowledges Nigeria’s growing influence in global efforts to recover stolen assets and strengthen financial intelligence.
NFIU Chief Hails Achievement
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Bakari, described the award as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms.
According to Bakari, the recognition highlights the critical roles played by the NFIU and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She noted that both agencies continue to enhance the country’s financial intelligence framework through effective collaboration with international partners.
She added that the achievement comes as Nigeria intensifies reforms designed to protect the integrity of its financial system and strengthen compliance with global financial standards.
Award Reflects Strong International Cooperation
The prestigious award ranks among the highest honours in the international financial intelligence community.
It recognises Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, operational excellence and successful recovery of stolen assets.
The recognition also reinforces global confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to combat money laundering, financial crimes and corruption through stronger institutional collaboration.
