Nigeria’s financial crime chief, Olanipekun Olukoyede, advocates using blockchain and AI to combat Africa’s $88.6 billion annual illicit money outflows.
In order to combat financial crimes, a senior Nigerian official has suggested the implementation of sophisticated technology to prevent the illicit transfer of funds from Africa. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the director of Nigeria’s primary agency dedicated to combating financial crime, believes that blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) could be effective instruments in this endeavor.
Olukoyede reported a surprising statistic at a significant African conference on illicit money flows and taxes: African countries incur an annual loss of approximately $88.6 billion as a result of these illegal activities. That is a substantial sum of money that could be allocated to improving the quality of life on the continent.
“If we could get this money back, we could improve our roads, hospitals, and schools,” Olukoyede indicated. He recounted a success tale from 2020, in which Nigeria was able to recover $311 million from the United States. A former Nigerian leader had unlawfully seized this money.
However, how can technology be of assistance? Olukoyede is of the opinion that the blockchain system, which underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, has the potential to simplify the process of monitoring the movement of money. AI, which is akin to a super-intelligent computer brain, has the potential to identify anomalous patterns that may indicate unlawful activity.
These sophisticated solutions would be incorporated into a more comprehensive strategy. Additionally, Olukoyede requested enhanced legislation and additional training for those who address financial crime. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration among nations, particularly in the context of regions that facilitate the easy concealment of money.
These novel technologies are already being implemented in Nigeria. The nation initiated an evaluation of its regulations regarding blockchain utilization in May. This is to ensure that Nigeria can fully capitalize on the advantages of this technology.
The nation is also taking AI seriously. In April, an additional government agency proposed the utilization of AI to enhance security. They are even establishing a specialized center in Nigeria to advance the development of AI and robotics.
These moves show that Nigeria is trying to stay up-to-date with the latest tech trends. They aspire to enhance the country’s economy and security by utilizing AI and blockchain technology to combat crime.
Nevertheless, the utilization of these technologies is not straightforward. They are intricate and can be costly to establish. There’s also the challenge of making sure they’re used fairly and don’t invade people’s privacy.
Many experts anticipate that technology will be instrumental in the future struggle against financial crime, despite the obstacles it faces. As criminals become more advanced, those working against them must stay updated.
For ordinary Nigerians, this could mean a future where it’s harder for corrupt officials or criminals to steal public money. If successful, these efforts could lead to more money being available for things that improve daily life, like better schools, hospitals, and job opportunities.
It’s still early days for these plans, and it will take time to see results. However, Nigeria’s push to use blockchain and AI in the fight against financial crime shows that the country is thinking creatively about how to solve long-standing problems.
As this story develops, it will be interesting to see how Nigeria balances embracing new technology with protecting people’s rights and privacy. If they get it right, it could set an example for other countries facing similar challenges.