LASG Harps on Crucial Role of Civil Servants in Anti-money Laundering War

Kayode Tokede 

The Lagos State Government, has called for cooperation and vigilance among stakeholders across all economic spheres of the country in the war against money laundering and terrorism financing, describing it as a threat to global peace.

Declaring open a three-day strategic level anti-money laundering and countering terrorism workshop for senior officials of the Lagos State Government in conjunction with the International Institute for African Defence, Security & Governance, in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the training is to enable the civil servants as critical stakeholders gain insights, skills, and strategies needed to enhance their professional capabilities and, “contribute to the collective efforts to create a safer and more secure world.”

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Treasury Office, and Accountant-General of the state, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, reminded the participants that the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing requires continuous vigilance, adaptability, and a spirit of cooperation across borders and sectors. 

“Your role in this mission is crucial, and your dedication is vital to our collective success,” he added, expressing confidence that the training will empower them to make a positive impact in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and Lagos State at Large.

He also challenged the participants to make the results of all they learn felt in the days and years ahead in the journey to building a brighter and more resilient future for all. 

Welcoming participants earlier, Country Director of the International Institute for African Defence, Security & Governance, Major General Emmanuel Whyte (Rtd), said the workshop’s theme reflects an urgent and necessary call to action.”

Addressing newsmen on the sidelines of the workshop, Ade Shonubi, a facilitator said the programme is meant to educate senior civil servants in the state “on what money laundering is, what the risks and impacts are, both on the state and themselves as individuals.”

Director, Project Financial Management Office of the State Treasury Office, Mrs. Saheed Rasheedat said the workshop has exposed them to the danger posed by money laundering activities and how to check it, and not participate innocently in such activities especially as the Act does not excuse ignorance as public officers in the course of performing their duties.