The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), a unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been declared Nigeria’s Most Effective Regulatory Agency of the Year 2025. The recognition was announced on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Abuja during the National Merit Awards on ICONS of Good Governance, organized by Governance Today Nigeria in collaboration with the African Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network (AGMN).
SCUML earned the award in the Public Governance Category, beating other nominees, and was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for its outstanding contribution to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
In his remarks, AGMN Convener, Dr. Sylvester Omose, praised SCUML’s “doggedness in delivering its mandate,” noting that the unit has effectively enforced compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) obligations among businesses and professions.
The event’s anchor, Tina Kenechukwu, lauded SCUML’s transparency and efficiency, citing personal and undercover experiences that proved the agency’s credibility. She emphasized that SCUML’s reforms have redefined business operations in Nigeria by ensuring seamless registration processes, without bribery or shortcuts.
Receiving the award, SCUML Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Harry Erin, appreciated the honour on behalf of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. He highlighted recent improvements in the SCUML registration portal, which now allows applicants to receive certificates within 48 hours of approval. Erin reiterated that SCUML registration is free of charge and fully digitized, with the portal processing an average of 600 applications daily nationwide.
“SCUML is committed to international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Our upgraded systems ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility,” Erin stated.
The recognition further cements SCUML’s role as a key institution in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system and promoting good governance.
