Access Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s War Against Illicit Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering · Ogbonna, Jaiyeola decorated as partners by NDLEA
Lagos, Nigeria – October 16, 2024: Access Bank PLC has
reinforced its dedication to the fight against illicit drug trafficking and
money laundering, committing to a closer partnership with the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The bank made this commitment
at the formal decoration of its Group Chief Executive Officer/Managing
Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, and Group Chief Conduct and Compliance Officer,
Femi Jaiyeola, as partners in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by representatives
of NDLEA at Access Bank’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Nigeria continues to face
significant challenges in its battle against drug trafficking and abuse, with
the NDLEA reporting a substantial rise in drug seizures, particularly in major
cities. As these illicit activities often rely on complex financial systems to
launder profits, financial institutions play a critical role in disrupting the
flow of funds that fuel these networks.
Speaking at the event, Abraham
Aziegbe, Group Head of Retail Operations, who represented Roosevelt Ogbonna,
Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, reaffirmed the Bank’s strong stance
against financial crimes that enable illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.
“We are grateful to the NDLEA
for this recognition, and as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, we
acknowledge our responsibility in ensuring our financial systems are not used
to facilitate illicit activities. This is why our compliance framework is strategically
designed to detect and deter illicit financial activities. We will continue to
work closely with the NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that
drug traffickers and their associates cannot exploit the financial sector. This
partnership is critical to our shared goal of strengthening national security,”
Aziegbe stated.
The ceremony was chaired by
Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics and Director of Assets
and Financial Investigation at NDLEA, who praised Access Bank’s proactive
stance in fighting money laundering and supporting enforcement actions.
Also present at the ceremony
were Omolade Fagboyegbe, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics and Director of
Seaport Operations and Marine Services, along with senior officials from Access Bank
including Omobola Faleye, Group Head, Internal Audit; Robert Imowo, Group Head of Corporate Counsel,
and Daniel Patrick, Unit Head, Regulatory Compliance.
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Photo Caption:
L-R: Group Head, Retail
Operations, Access Bank, Abraham Aziegbe; Deputy Commander General of Narcotics
and Director, Seaport Operations and Marine Services, Omolade
Fagboyegbe; Deputy Commander General, Narcotics (DCGN) and Director, Assets and
Financial Investigation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul; and Group Chief Conduct and
Compliance Officer, Access Bank, Femi Jaiyeola, at the Award and Decoration of
Access Bank as Partner in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by NDLEA, at Access
Bank's headquarters in Lagos…. Yesterday.
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Access
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading
full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700
branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23 countries and over 60
million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in
Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and
the UAE.
Access
Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian
Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution
which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with
deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management
capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business
segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and
Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most
successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the
continent’s largest retail banks.
As
part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming
sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver
sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible,
and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their
dreams.
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