The Cross River State Government has issued a strong warning that it will prosecute any public official found guilty of money laundering, terrorism financing, or other financial crimes, underlining its zero-tolerance stance.
Governor Senator Bassey Otu made the declaration while opening a two-day Strategic Level Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Workshop for senior officials in Calabar on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, he described the training organised by the state’s Planning Commissionas critical for improving financial discipline and governance.
“This administration has zero tolerance for fraud or money laundering,” Governor Otu stated. “Those involved already know the consequences, and we will not hesitate to enforce discipline.”
He urged participants, including directors of finance and procurement, principal officers from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and audit, legal and treasury staff to master the content and share it with colleagues, especially at the local government level.
The governor promised regular capacity building programmes to protect officials from anti-corruption scrutiny and promote lasting transparency.
Planning Commission Vice Chairman and CEO Dr. Bong Duke called the workshop a vital step to protect the state’s economy, strengthen governance structures, and safeguard public resources from the dangers of money laundering and terrorism financing.
He emphasised moving participants beyond awareness to practical skills in risk detection, control enhancement, and compliance with national and global standards.
Lead facilitator Dr. Ade Shonubi, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, commended the state’s proactive leadership in prioritising AML/CFT training for top officials.
He highlighted Nigeria’s recent exit from the global grey list but stressed that continued vigilance at state level remains essential for protecting public funds, institutional strength, and investor confidence.
Accountant General Dr. (Mrs) Glory Effiong described the event as a key move toward maintaining Cross River’s reputation for financial credibility and attractiveness to investors.
She expressed confidence that the carefully selected participants would apply the lessons in daily operations, further positioning the state as a leader in transparent financial governance.
The workshop, which continues through Friday, equips attendees with practical tools to identify suspicious transactions, improve procurement transparency, manage AML/CFT risks, and align state processes with best national and international practices.
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