The Maiduguri Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)Onwukwe C. Obiorahas called on Small and Medium Enterprises to comply with regulations that require registration and certification by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering(SCUML).

Obiora gave the charge through the Head, SCUML, Ibrahim Baba Ma’aji at a two-day sensitisationprogramme organized by Hally’s Way Concept with the theme: “SMEs as Non-Designated Financial Institutions: How to Register and Report Financial Activities with SCUML.”

According to the commander, the EFCC is aware of the vulnerability of SMEs to money laundering and financing of terrorism, hence the need for operators to be wary not to be caught on the wrong side of the law.

Obiora urged owners of businesses that are required by law to register with SCUML to visit its website as registration is free.

In her remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Hally’s Way Concept, Halima Isa Ibrahim reiterated her resolve in enlightening business entities to register with relevant agencies of government as it comes with lots of benefits.

“Funding from financial institutions and some Non-Governmental Organizations to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs is not enjoyed by businesses based on their inability to register their companies and obtain SCUML, CAC, Chamber of Commerce, Investment, Mines and Agriculture certificates’’, she said.

She commended the EFCC for its commitment in tackling money laundering and terrorism financing in the North East and the country at large.

The programme drew participants from Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Corporate Affairs Commission, Borno State Chambers of Commerce, Investment, Mines and Agriculture, Borno State Internal Revenue, SMEDAN, Borno State Ministries of Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation, and Youth and Sports, amongst others.