EFFC’s SCUML Wins Hall of Fame Recognition for Public Governance

EFCC’s SCUML Wins Hall of Fame Recognition for Public Governance

 

 

 

The Special Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been inducted into the Hall of Fame after being named Nigeria’s Most Effective Regulatory Agency of the Year 2025. The award was presented on Thursday, September 25, at the National Merit Awards ceremony for “ICONS of Good Governance” in Abuja.

 

Governance Today Nigeria, in partnership with the African Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network (AGMN), recognised SCUML for its “outstanding contribution to the fight against money laundering and countering terrorist financing through its regulatory mandate.” The Unit won the Public Governance category, surpassing other nominees.

 

Dr Sylvester Omose, Convener and Founder of AGMN, lauded SCUML for its dedication and efficiency in delivering on its mandate. He highlighted the Unit’s success in ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Terrorist Financing (CFT) obligations, including reporting suspicious transactions and conducting risk assessments, which have strengthened Nigeria’s financial sector.

 

“Our organisation is committed to commending entities and individuals that add value and promote good governance,” Omose said. “Awards like this encourage healthy competition among government institutions and reward excellence, not pecuniary gains.”

 

Tina Kenechukwu, the event anchor, shared her experience with SCUML, noting the Unit’s integrity and seamless processes. During an undercover visit, she observed that multiple registrations were completed without any solicitation of bribes. She also recounted how her husband successfully registered his company and completed SCUML registration entirely online, receiving his certificate via email without delays or complications.

 

Receiving the award on behalf of the EFCC, SCUML Director and Deputy Commander, DCE Harry Erin, expressed appreciation and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to international best practices in AML and CFT. Erin credited the Unit’s efficiency to recent upgrades of its digital portal, which now allows registration to be completed in one day, with e-certificates issued within 48 hours of approval.

 

“SCUML registration is free, fully online, and supported by a dedicated team across the country,” Erin said. “The portal handles over 600 applications daily, ensuring smooth service delivery and timely responses to applicants’ queries.”

 

The award underscores SCUML’s role as a benchmark in financial regulation and governance, highlighting its contributions to transparency, accountability, and the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing in Nigeria.