The Oyo State Government has raised concerns over the growing use of non-governmental organisations, crowdfunding platforms and other humanitarian channels to raise funds for criminal activities.
The Acting Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, said the government was strengthening its partnership with security agencies and other stakeholders to prevent illicit financial flows from being used to threaten lives and property.
Lawal, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, spoke on Tuesday at a capacity-building workshop on emerging threats associated with illicit financial activities.
The workshop was held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to the acting governor, the changing security situation in the South-West, particularly the increasing incidents of kidnapping, requires improved intelligence gathering and stronger institutional responses.
He said criminal groups were becoming more sophisticated in sourcing and transferring funds.
“Criminal networks are increasingly deploying sophisticated methods to raise and move funds, including the misuse of crowdfunding platforms, humanitarian interventions, NGOs and informal financial systems.”
Lawal stressed that although humanitarian assistance remained important, stronger oversight was necessary to prevent legitimate platforms from being exploited by criminal elements.
“There is a need for improved regulatory frameworks, proper documentation and effective monitoring to ensure such platforms are not hijacked by individuals or groups with criminal intentions.”
He added that closer cooperation among government institutions and improved financial intelligence would help authorities identify and disrupt suspicious financial activities.
“Strengthening financial intelligence and enhancing coordination among government agencies will be pivotal in disrupting criminal networks.”
The acting governor urged participants drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to improve their knowledge of terrorism financing and other emerging financial threats.
He also advocated the creation of dedicated desks within MDAs to facilitate intelligence sharing, track suspicious transactions and ensure quicker responses to potential security threats.
The workshop brought together government officials, security stakeholders and experts to discuss ways of strengthening institutional capacity, combating terrorism financing and protecting legitimate humanitarian activities from abuse.
Among those present were the Commissioners for Energy, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin; Investment, Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Prof. Solihu Adelabu; and Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, alongside permanent secretaries, directors and other senior government officials.
