The Oyo State Government has intensified partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the war against terrorism financing.
The acting governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, made this known at a capacity-building workshop on awareness, intelligence gathering, and institutional response to emerging threats linked to illicit financial flows.
The war against terrorism financing
As stated in a release on Wednesday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the workshop was held on Tuesday at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Lawal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, State that the partnership with EFCC was to prevent the exploitation of humanitarian funding platforms and other financial channels for terrorism financing and criminal activities.
The acting governor stated that the present administration remained unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property by strengthening collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
He noted that the evolving security situation in the South-West, particularly recent incidents of kidnapping, underscored the need for stakeholders to adopt stronger measures against unconventional threats.
According to him, criminal networks were increasingly deploying sophisticated methods to raise and move funds, including misuse of crowdfunding platforms, humanitarian interventions, NGOs, and informal financial systems.
“While humanitarian assistance remains critical to supporting vulnerable communities, there is a need for improved regulatory frameworks, proper documentation, and effective monitoring to ensure such platforms are not hijacked by individuals or groups with criminal intentions,” he stated.
Lawal further stressed that strengthening financial intelligence and enhancing coordination among government agencies will be pivotal in disrupting criminal networks.
The acting governor urged participants from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to deepen their understanding of terrorism financing trends and develop proactive strategies for early detection and prevention.
He also called for the establishment of dedicated desks in MDAs to facilitate intelligence sharing, monitor suspicious financial activities, and ensure prompt responses to emerging security challenges.
The workshop provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange best practices in countering terrorism financing, strengthening institutional capacity, and protecting legitimate humanitarian interventions from abuse.
In attendance were the Commissioner for Energy, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin; Commissioner for Investment, Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Professor Solihu Adelabu.
Also present were the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; permanent secretaries, directors, and other top government officials.
