EFCC urges Oyo State to regulate non-profits to prevent terrorism financing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on the Oyo State Government to establish a legal framework for the registration, monitoring, and supervision of non-profit organisations (NPOs). This recommendation aims to prevent criminal networks from exploiting the sector to move or disguise funds intended for terrorism financing.

As part of a national terrorism-financing risk assessment, a delegation led by Assistant Commander Ibinabo Amachree began a three-day exercise in Ibadan on September 1, 2026. The assessment focuses on identifying vulnerabilities within the South-West region's NPO sector while ensuring that legitimate humanitarian, educational, and healthcare activities are not disrupted.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized that tighter regulation is urgent due to emerging security challenges, including recent kidnapping incidents in the South-West. The commission noted that while NPOs provide essential social services that complement government efforts, the same financial channels used for legitimate donations could be abused if appropriate safeguards and oversight mechanisms are not in place.