The Cross River State Government has commenced a two-day strategic-level training programme to strengthen the capacity of senior public officials on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism AML/CFT, as part of its reaffirmed zero-tolerance stance against corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Strategic Level AML/CFT Workshop, organised by the state government through the State Planning Commission, is holding at Monty Suites, Calabar, and has attracted top officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs. The training is scheduled to run for two days.
Speaking at the opening, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the training as timely and strategic, saying it would significantly improve financial prudence, strengthen governance processes and protect public resources across the state.
“I have gone through the programme of events and I am pleased with what I have seen,” Odey said. “This training is going to strengthen us financially, strengthen how we do things in Cross River State, and make us more prudent in the way we manage public funds.”
He stressed that the Otu-led administration has zero tolerance for fraud, money laundering and related financial crimes, warning that any official found culpable would face firm consequences.
“This administration has zero tolerance for anything that has to do with fraud or money laundering. Those who have indulged in such acts already know the consequences, and we will not hesitate to continue enforcing discipline,” he said.
Odey charged participants to fully internalise the training and cascade the knowledge to colleagues not in attendance, particularly at the local government level. He explained that the training should serve as a safeguard against actions capable of exposing officials to anti-corruption agencies, adding that the government would sustain and possibly increase the frequency of such capacity-building programmes.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, said the workshop was designed as a strategic training intervention to protect the state’s economy, strengthen governance structures and safeguard public funds.
He said money laundering and terrorism financing pose serious threats to economic stability and sustainable development, noting that public officials are custodians of trust whose decisions directly affect the state’s future. According to him, the training was structured to move participants beyond awareness to practical competence, enabling them to identify risks, strengthen internal controls and enforce compliance in line with national and international standards.
The Lead Facilitator and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Ade Shonubi, commended the state government for prioritising high-level training for senior officials, describing it as evidence of leadership commitment to transparency and accountability.
He referenced Nigeria’s recent removal from the global grey list, saying the development showed progress, but warned that sustained training and implementation efforts were still required at both federal and sub-national levels. He stressed that effective AML/CFT practices at the state level are critical to protecting public finances, strengthening institutions and boosting investor confidence.
Also speaking, the Accountant General of Cross River State, Dr. Mrs. Glory Effiong, described the workshop as an important training step toward sustaining the state’s growing reputation for financial credibility and investor friendliness.
She said the Otu administration remains committed to building a transparent, accountable and corruption-resistant financial system, adding that participants were selected to ensure continuity and long-term impact.
According to her, the training is expected to equip Directors of Finance, Procurement and other senior officers across MDAs, including audit, legal and treasury staff, with practical skills to detect and prevent suspicious transactions, strengthen procurement transparency, manage AML/CFT risks and align state financial processes with national and international best practices, while reinforcing ethical standards in daily public service operations.
Participants drawn from various MDAs are expected to apply the knowledge gained from the training to their routine responsibilities, ensuring stronger oversight, improved accountability and reduced exposure to financial misconduct risks.
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