The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will hold a one-day open house forum on “The Role of Youths in Combating Transnational Organized Crime in the Society” on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria. The event, which is the 15th edition in the series of GIABA Open House Forum, serves as a platform to educate stakeholders from ECOWAS member States on the deleterious effects of money laundering and financing of terrorism on peace, security and sustainable development in West Africa.
GIABA is a specialized ECOWAS institution and a FATF- Style Regional Body established in the year 2000 by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. Its mandate is to protect the national economies and the financial systems of member States from laundering proceeds of crimes, particularly money laundering and terrorist financing.
As part of its sustained efforts to raise awareness against the twin scourges of ML/TF in the region, GIABA, in its 2011-2014 Strategic Plan, considered the promotion of strategic partnerships with civil society and development partners of utmost importance. This has particularly become important, given the reality of regional integration with its attendant challenges, including the menace of transnational organized crimes.
The Open House is one of the awareness and advocacy strategies adopted by GIABA to sensitize stakeholders, particularly the youths, on the threats of money laundering and financing of terrorism. This strategy is designed to sensitize the youth to advocate for strong AML/CFT measures in the region.
About 120 participants consisting of students of tertiary institutions and the media, including top government officials and regulatory agencies involved in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, are expected to take part in the event. The event will be graced by the Honourable Commissioner for Youths Development in Rivers State, Hon. Ohia Prince Obi (JP), Director General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr, GIABA National Correspondent of Nigeria, Mr. Modibbo Hamman Tukur and theVice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor OwunariGeorgewill who are expected to deliver keynotes addresses at the event.
Highlights at the occasion will include the presentation of lectures by GIABA faculty and experts on anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing (AML/CFT) in Nigeria.
