GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION –SECTION ON PUBLIC INTEREST AND DEVELOPMENT LAW AT HER 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE FROM 3RD AUGUST – 5TH AUGUST, 2022 HOLDING AT ABUJA
Protocols:
On behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), I heartily congratulate the Chairman, Governing Council and members of NBA-SPIDEL on the occasion of her 2022 Annual Conference with the theme “Rule of Law and Democratic Evolution in Nigeria”. The theme of the conference “Rule of Law and Democratic Evolution in Nigeria” aptly mirrors the efforts of the Section’s role in Nigeria jurisprudential growth and also fits into the Section’s core mandate of promoting development and practice of public interest law and litigation.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is the central coordinating body for Nigeria’s Anti – Money Laundering, Counter – Terrorist Financing and Counter – Proliferation Financing framework committed to promoting the rule of law and application of law to economic development and consequentially, the growth of public interest Law. The Unit has been desirous of partnering with the Nigerian Bar Association in advancing public interest through the support for transparency and accountability in public service. This support has translated to better service delivery through the provision of social services, protection of life, property and welfare, as well as advocacy on public interest, etc.
The quest for probity, transparency, accountability and best practices objectives of the Unit aligns with the core mandate of the NBA SPIDEL Section, hence our presence here today. I encourage you all to see yourselves as partners in progress with government and as such, seek more collaboration with government to advance public interest. Resort to confrontation and litigation should be a last resort and be tailored towards the betterment of society.
Lawyers as goldfish which has no hiding place must as of necessity open up themselves to self-scrutiny. Admittedly, the Legal Practitioners’ Act (LPA) and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) spelt out the mode for the regulation of the profession but these are mainly on issues of ethics and professional conduct. With the evolving challenges and developments globally, which has seen an increase in technological advancements with its attendant challenges to the security architecture globally, the Bar must proactively evolve and avoid lending itself to be used as a tool against public interest and national development values.
It is no secret that after Nigeria’s 2nd Mutual Evaluation Exercise, the country was placed under an enhance follow up process due to its poor performance in technical compliance and effectiveness resulting in It been presently undergoing FATF’s International Country Review Group (ICRG) monitoring. One of the major deficiencies in the MER was the non-AML/CFT -reporting by self-regulatory organisations like the Bar association. We sincerely urge the Bar to do something in this regard. In the interest of the professions and our financial system, you must stand up against any tool aimed at stifling transparency and accountability. This is a noble profession built on the principle of equity and fairness, I urge you to keep upholding these values and ensure the live beyond your time.
There is no doubt that the bar occupies a prime position in every civilised society. The NBA has always been a great advocate and defender of the society against crimes and criminality. We see the NBA-SPIDEL as one of our strongest allies. The Section, lending its voice to the fight against Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing cannot come at a better time than now when the country is facing serious security challenges from these fronts. The NBA-SPIDEL in line with its advocacy for public interest is called upon to amplify its voice against this triple evil in our society.
While applauding the impact of NBA-SPIDEL to the advancement of the society and formulation of government policies, it is our earnest desire to see it strive to ensure access to effective remedies for victims of violations of the law and abuse of powers. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is willing, ready and able to work with the Nigerian Bar Association especially with SPIDEL in advancing these causes, for a safer society.
I have no doubt in my mind going by the array of topics and speakers lined up that this is going to be an enriching and idea-mobilizing experience. May I therefore, wish you all fruitful deliberations during this conference and hope that the knowledge gained at end of the day will positively impact on building a strong, virile nation that our country’s next generation will be proud of.
Finally, I assure you all of the determination of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to combat Money Laundering, Terrorism financing and proliferation financing in line with global best practices.
Thank you for the audience.
Modibbo HamanTukur
Director/Chief Executive Officer
Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit