In a bold move to strengthen the fight against financial crimes across West Africa, the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has awarded $650,000 in grants to 12 civil society organisations (CSOs) in the region.

The funds, released between 2024 and 2025, were aimed at empowering these CSOs to lead awareness campaigns on money laundering, terrorism financing, and asset recovery. The initiative targets countries across ECOWAS member-states, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.

GIABA’s Director-General, Edwin Harris, made the announcement at a regional sensitisation seminar for CSOs held in Lagos, with the theme: “Requirements for Fighting Against Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).”

Strengthening Community Action Against Financial Crimes

The grant includes $350,000 disbursed in 2024 and another $300,000 in 2025, channeled toward building public awareness, supporting advocacy for asset recovery, and encouraging community mobilization against terrorist activities and violent extremism.

“We’ve already started seeing results,” said Harris. “We urge all CSOs to continue pushing for a more peaceful and economically prosperous West Africa.”

Why CSOs Are Key in the Fight

GIABA believes that fighting financial crimes can’t be left to governments alone. It requires collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and the public. This is why since 2011, GIABA has made partnerships with CSOs a core part of its strategy.

The organisation aims to equip CSOs with the knowledge, tools, and funding to:

Educate citizens on the dangers of money laundering and terrorism financing.

Promote transparency and accountability in the financial sector.

Support national efforts in recovering stolen assets.

GIABA’s Bigger Goal

GIABA, established in 2000 as a specialised agency under ECOWAS, is West Africa’s frontline institution fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Its broader mission is to build capacity in member-states and ensure regional financial security.

At the seminar, Timothy Melaye, Head of Information at GIABA, highlighted the role of CSOs in reaching grassroots communities where terrorist financing networks often thrive.

“GIABA will continue to deepen its engagement with CSOs. Their role is crucial to ensuring a safe and resilient West Africa,” he said.

✅ Takeaway:
Through this funding, GIABA is empowering local organisations to lead the charge in protecting West Africa from financial crimes and terrorism — showing that with the right partnerships, real change is possible from the ground up.