The upper legislative chamber also resolved to empower the NFIU in line with international best practices in its relations with similar organisations in other countries.
The lawmakers also called on the Executive arm of government to send a budget for the NFIU before the end of the year.
These resolutions followed a motion sponsored by the Senator representing Enugu North, Chukwuka Utazi, who pointed out that Nigeria was suspended from the Egmont Group because the NFIU was not autonomous.
While moving the motion on the floor of the Senate, Utazi said the interference of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, in the affairs of the NFIU is another reason for which Nigeria was suspended.
According to him, “By virtue of our membership of the group, NFIU enjoys the benefit of privileged information which the members of the group share among themselves.
“This intelligence sharing is crucial to the universal and local war against corruption, money laundering, terrorism financial and economic crimes.
“Apart from the suspension of Nigeria this July, the group has given Nigeria up to December 2017 to address the issues raised in the suspension or be expelled which will attract international sanctions.”
Also contributing to the debate, the senator representing Kogi west, Dino Melaye said the Senate should immediately start procedures of enacting a law for the NFIU.
“Separating the NFIU for the EFCC will ensure transparency in the fight against corruption,” he said.
The upper legislative chamber subsequently adopted the motion when it was put to a voice vote by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the day’s plenary.
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