General News
IMF Earmarks over $31 million to Fight money laundering
Money Launderers and Terrorism financiers in African countries are in for a big confrontation as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has packaged for launching a donor-supported trust fund worth over $31 million to finance technical assistance in Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).
Money Laundering by top Government officials who siphoned public funds trusted under their care for development projects had been the undoing of most African countries including Nigeria.
The Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which is the first in a series of Topical Trust Funds will begin operations on May 1, 2009, and provide about $31 million over five years to contribute to the strengthening of global AML/CFT regimes, using the Fund’s proven expertise and infrastructure.
IMF disclosed in a statement that already Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Korea, and France are providing about two-thirds of the financing while discussions are still going on with a number of other donors who had also expressed interest in contributing to the Trust Fund.
Mr. Murilo Portugal, the IMF deputy managing director said that global financial stability hinges on collective action at the international level, but also on effective national systems. “The trust fund combines both these elements. Robust AML/CFT regimes are important pillars of the international regulatory and supervisory system and also part and parcel of the current efforts to strengthen the global financial framework.”
IMF maintained that in an increasingly interconnected world, financial stability is closely linked with financial integrity, pointing out that Money laundering and terrorist financing activities can undermine the soundness and stability of financial institutions and systems, discourage foreign investment, and distort international capital flows.
According to IMF, “problems in one country can quickly spread to other countries in the region or in other parts of the world. Individual countries benefit from robust AML/CFT regimes has enhanced financial sector integrity and stability, facilitating their integration into the global financial system.
“They also contribute to more transparent governance and effective fiscal administration. The integrity of national financial systems is thus essential to financial sector and macroeconomic stability both on a national and international level.”
Recently, demand for IMF’s technical assistance is rising in light of the current global economic and financial crisis because countries are seeking to strengthen their institutions with the fund moving forward with a broad range of measures to respond more effectively to its members’ needs despite the emerging challenges of the global economy.
To meet this rising demand as well as better coordinate assistance delivery, the fund seeks to strengthen its partnerships with donors by engaging them on a broader, longer term, and more strategic basis.
Following the launch of the AML/CFT trust fund, the roll-out of other trust funds is in the pipeline. Topics on revenue policy and administration, management of natural resource wealth, public financial management, sustainable debt strategies in low-income countries, financial sector stability and development in low-income countries, and strengthening of statistics, including for financial sector crisis prevention are also angles to be addressed.
General News
NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.
According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.
The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.
It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.
“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.
The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”
General News
NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.
Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.
He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.
Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.
“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”
He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.
Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.
He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.
“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.
General News
CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.
In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.
Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.
He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.
He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.
In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.
Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.
CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.
Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.
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