The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)-led inter-agency technical team has commenced a three-day assessment of terrorism financing risks within the non-profit sector in Sokoto State.
The team, led by Erinomo Temitope, is in the state as part of a nationwide National Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment of the Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria, being conducted across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Receiving the delegation during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed the state government’s readiness to support the exercise and provide the necessary access to relevant institutions and stakeholders.
Governor Aliyu described the initiative as important, noting that non-profit organisations play a significant role in supporting vulnerable communities and complementing government efforts in the provision of social services.
He urged all relevant non-profit organisations in the state to extend maximum cooperation to the technical team, saying the outcome of the exercise would help strengthen transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance in Sokoto State.
The governor also expressed confidence that the recommendations from the assessment would contribute to the state and national efforts to prevent the misuse of non-profit organisations for terrorism financing.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Temitope thanked Governor Aliyu for the warm reception and cooperation extended to the team since its arrival in Sokoto.
He explained that the committee was constituted by the EFCC Executive Chairman to assess terrorism financing risks associated with the non-profit sector and develop appropriate measures to mitigate identified threats.
According to him, terrorists and their financiers have continued to evolve their methods and are increasingly seeking to exploit non-profit and civil society organisations to facilitate their activities.
Temitope said the team would engage government agencies and non-profit organisations during its three-day visit to gather feedback, identify challenges and sensitise stakeholders on measures to strengthen the sector against terrorism financing.
He stressed that Nigeria was not alone in the fight against terrorism financing, noting that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) provides global guidance on countering terrorism financing.He said identifying existing risks, developing effective mitigation strategies and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders were critical to preventing terrorism financing and protecting legitimate humanitarian activities.
