From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), a unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been named Nigeria’s Most Effective Regulatory Agency of the Year 2025.
The award was presented in Abuja during the National Merit Awards on Icons of Good Governance, organised by Governance Today Nigeria in collaboration with the African Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network (AGMN).
SCUML topped other nominees in the Public Governance Category and was also inducted into the organisers’ Hall of Fame for its role in combating money laundering and countering terrorist financing in Nigeria.
Convener and Founder of AGMN, Dr Sylvester Omose, praised SCUML for what he described as “doggedness in effectively delivering on its mandate.”
“SCUML is exceptional owing to its great performance as a financial regulatory unit and because of its outstanding actions in the face of daunting tasks of tackling money laundering, countering terrorist financing, and corruption,” Omose said.
He explained that the Unit’s efforts in ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) obligations among businesses and professionals have strengthened Nigeria’s governance system.
“There is a need for commendation for communities, entities, states, individuals and institutions that are redefining systems, adding values, and promoting good governance in our country.
“They deserve commendation instead of condemnation,” he added.
Event anchor, Tina Kenechukwu, also lauded SCUML, narrating her personal experience with the agency.
“We went there as undercover journalists with multiple registrations to see if the process could be circumvented.
“Everything went smoothly and seamlessly. At no point did anybody ask for a bribe. Even when we offered recharge cards in appreciation, they refused, saying it was not allowed. Ladies and gentlemen, this is happening in Abuja, Nigeria,” she said.
She further shared how her husband successfully registered his company online without hassles.
“He started and finished his CAC registration, then applied for SCUML registration from his computer. He uploaded all documents, followed the process, and received his certificate via email—without stress or middlemen. These people are doing amazingly well,” she added.
Receiving the award on behalf of EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Director of SCUML, DCE Harry Erin, expressed appreciation for the recognition.
“The seamlessness in applying for the SCUML certificate is informed by the remodelling of the SCUML portal to improve service delivery without bottlenecks,” Erin said.
He reiterated that SCUML registration is free and can be completed online.
“Today, SCUML’s registration takes a day once documents are complete, while the e-certificate is issued within 48 hours after approval.
“Our registration portal now processes an average of 600 applications daily across Nigeria,” he disclosed.
Erin noted that SCUML had recently upgraded its digital infrastructure to streamline procedures and ensure transparency in line with international best practices.
