ACCI, Forensic Investigators Institute Explore Partnership on Forensic Laboratory
Abuja-October 6, 2026.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), particularly in the establishment of a forensic laboratory to support businesses and strengthen fraud investigation and forensic services in Nigeria.
The President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Governing Council of CIFCFIN, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Iliyasu Yerima Gashinbaki, and the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Aruwan Sulaiman, at the Chamber’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation visited the Chamber to express appreciation to Chief Obegolu and the ACCI leadership for naming the Chamber’s multi-purpose cooperative building after Dr. Gashinbaki in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Chamber and the Institute.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Aruwan described the naming of the edifice as a significant honour to both Dr. Gashinbaki and CIFCFIN, noting that it had further strengthened the relationship between the Institute and the Chamber.
He said the Institute, established by an Act of the National Assembly in December 2022, has a broad mandate to promote forensic investigation and fraud prevention in Nigeria. He disclosed that it’s Nigerian College of Forensics and Fraud Investigators had trained more than 4,000 graduates, while the Institute was also working with professional and regulatory bodies to develop specialised forensic expertise.
According to him, CIFCFIN is also pursuing the establishment of forensic laboratories and sees significant opportunities for collaboration with ACCI, particularly in forensic documentation, digital forensics and other services relevant to the business community.
Responding, Chief Obegolu said the decision to name the building after Dr. Gashinbaki was a recognition of his longstanding contributions to the Chamber and was not intended as patronage, but as an appreciation of the value he had brought to the organisation.
He noted that Dr. Gashinbaki had contributed significantly to the growth of the Chamber’s cooperative initiative over the years, stressing that the naming was, in part, a thanksgiving to God and recognition of his service.
The ACCI President welcomed the Institute’s proposal for closer collaboration and directed the relevant leadership of the Chamber’s Business, Entrepreneurship, Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre to engage with CIFCFIN on the possibility of establishing a forensic laboratory within the Centre.
Chief Obegolu said the proposed partnership would provide an opportunity for both organisations to develop a mutually beneficial framework that would expand forensic services, support businesses and contribute to strengthening professional capacity in the country.
He further noted that the BEST Centre already has specialised facilities, including a gemology laboratory, making it a suitable platform for exploring additional technical and professional collaborations.
Also speaking, the 1st Deputy President of ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, congratulated CIFCFIN on its achievements and commended its growing relevance within Nigeria’s economic and professional space. He expressed the Chamber’s willingness to continue supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, accountability and economic development.
The meeting was attended by the ACCI Director-General, Mr. Agbaidu Jideani; Deputy Director-General, Dr. Tinuke Temitope; General Counsel, Council member, Chief Sunday Audu, Hajia Hauwa Usman; Executive Director, National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), Dr. Chidiebere Onwumere; Executive Director, Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili; Head of Finance, Mr. Emeghinike Okeoji; council members and other senior officials of the Chamber.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy.
