The Oyo State Government has strengthened its collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prevent the use of humanitarian funding platforms and other financial channels to finance terrorism and criminal activities.
Acting Governor Bayo Lawal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, stated this on Tuesday, September 1, at a capacity-building workshop on awareness, intelligence gathering and institutional responses to emerging threats linked to illicit financial flows.
The workshop, held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, focused on strengthening the capacity of government institutions to identify and respond to emerging methods of terrorism financing.
Lawal said the evolving security situation in the South-West, particularly the rising incidents of kidnapping, had made it imperative for stakeholders to adopt stronger measures against unconventional security threats.
He noted that criminal networks were increasingly using sophisticated means to raise and transfer funds, including crowdfunding platforms, non-governmental organisations, humanitarian interventions and informal financial systems.
The Acting Governor stressed the need for improved regulation, proper documentation and effective monitoring of humanitarian funding platforms to prevent their abuse by criminal elements.
He also called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their understanding of terrorism financing trends and develop proactive strategies for early detection and prevention.
Lawal urged MDAs to establish dedicated desks for intelligence sharing, monitoring of suspicious financial activities and prompt response to emerging security threats.
He said stronger financial intelligence and closer coordination among government agencies would play a crucial role in disrupting criminal networks and protecting lives and property.
The workshop brought together government officials and experts to share best practices on countering terrorism financing, strengthening institutional capacity and safeguarding legitimate humanitarian interventions from abuse.
Among those in attendance were the Commissioners for Energy, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin; Investment, Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Prof. Solihu Adelabu; Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; permanent secretaries, directors and other senior government officials.
