By Nana Musa
Mr Edwin Harris, the Director-General (D-G) of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), has called for stronger regional cooperation against financial crimes.
He made the call on Monday in Dakar during GIABA’s annual briefing for ambassadors, technical and financial partners’ public presentation of its 2025 annual report and annual press conference.
Represented by Mr Jallow Cherno, the acting Director-General and acting Director of Finance, GIABA, said terrorism, organised crime, corruption, illicit financial flows and cybercrime have continued to threaten peace, security and sustainable development across the ECOWAS region.
According to him, emerging technologies, including crypto-assets and digital transformation, have created fresh opportunities for criminals, demanding stronger anti-money laundering measures.
He said that GIABA had intensified technical assistance, capacity building, national risk assessments, typology studies and support for financial intelligence units across member states.
Harris said the interventions, implemented with international partners, had strengthened GIABA’s position as a leading institution promoting financial integrity in West Africa.
He said that the 2025 Annual Report reflected progress by member states in aligning with international standards while identifying areas requiring further improvement.
The director-general commended the technical and financial partners for their sustained support, describing their contributions as vital to combating evolving financial crime threats.
Harris said that GIABA’s ministerial committee has approved the continued full membership of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, reaffirming technical cooperation beyond political differences.
He said the decision underscored GIABA’s commitment to serving all member states impartially in line with its mandate.
Harris urged ambassadors to continue supporting reforms, strengthening partnerships and advancing regional cooperation to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
He also commended the media for promoting transparency and raising public awareness on financial integrity and governance issues.
Reflecting on his tenure.
Harris also expressed gratitude to ECOWAS leaders, national authorities, partners, ambassadors and GIABA staff for their confidence and support.
He credited the secretariat’s professionalism and dedication for strengthening GIABA’s governance, credibility and regional influence.
Harris expressed confidence that GIABA would sustain its leadership in promoting transparent and resilient financial systems across West Africa after his tenure ends.
He urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration to address emerging financial crime challenges and safeguard regional peace, security development. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu