Nigeria’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been named the country’s Most Effective Regulatory Agency of the Year 2025. The recognition came during the National Merit Awards on “Icons of Good Governance” held in Abuja on Thursday, September 25, 2025, where Governance Today Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network (AGMN), presented the honour.
SCUML, which plays a critical role in enforcing compliance among businesses and professional groups to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, was also inducted into the organisers’ Hall of Fame. The Convener of AGMN, Dr. Sylvester Omose, said the unit’s dedication to enforcing anti-money laundering regulations in the face of daunting challenges set it apart from other nominees in the Public Governance category. He described SCUML’s achievements in compelling businesses to carry out risk assessments, report suspicious transactions, and strengthen internal systems against illegal activities as exceptional.
The event’s anchor, Tina Kenechukwu, praised SCUML’s credibility and transparency, citing personal experiences that highlighted the agency’s efficiency. She explained that undercover journalists had visited the SCUML office in Abuja to test its processes and discovered that registrations were conducted seamlessly, without bribery or shortcuts. She also recounted how her husband was able to complete his company’s registration and obtain a SCUML certificate online without leaving his home, describing the process as stress-free and efficient.
Responding to the award, SCUML’s Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Harry Erin, who received the honour on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, expressed gratitude and assured that the unit would continue to uphold international best practices. Erin revealed that the agency had remodelled its online portal to simplify registration and eliminate delays, with most certificates now issued electronically within 48 hours. He explained that SCUML processes an average of 600 applications daily and that the registration remains free, in line with EFCC’s policy.
The recognition of SCUML as Nigeria’s most effective regulatory body marks an important milestone in the country’s broader fight against corruption, financial crimes, and terrorism financing. For years, Nigeria has been under international pressure to strengthen its anti-money laundering framework, particularly in the non-financial sector. With SCUML’s growing efficiency and digital innovations, observers believe the country is gradually building stronger safeguards against illicit financial flows.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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