How to File an STR in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide for Banks
Failing to file an STR, or filing it late, is one of the most common triggers for CBN enforcement action against Nigerian banks. This guide walks through exactly how to file a Suspicious Transaction Report via goAML, what triggers a filing obligation, and how to avoid the most costly mistakes.
What is an STR?
An STR (Suspicious Transaction Report) is a mandatory report filed with Nigeria's NFIU (Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit) whenever a bank suspects that a transaction may be related to money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation financing, or other financial crime. There is no minimum amount threshold, filing is triggered by suspicion, not transaction size. The legal obligation is established under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
The 24-Hour Rule
Critical Compliance Requirement
Nigerian banks must file STRs within 24 hours of confirming suspicion. The clock starts when the decision to file is made, not when the original transaction occurred. Late filing is a sanctionable offence.
What Triggers an STR Filing?
Step-by-Step: How to File an STR via goAML
Identify the Suspicious Activity
A transaction or pattern is flagged by your monitoring system or staff. Review the alert and gather relevant transaction and customer data.
Conduct Internal Review
Your compliance team investigates, reviewing the customer's history, account behaviour, identity documentation, and available context. The 24-hour clock has not yet started.
MLRO Makes Filing Decision
If suspicion cannot be resolved with a reasonable explanation, the MLRO authorises filing. The 24-hour clock begins from this point.
Do NOT Tip Off the Customer
Tipping off, informing the customer that an STR is being filed, is a criminal offence under the MLPPA. Maintain complete confidentiality.
Log into goAML
Access NFIU's goAML platform at goaml.nfiu.gov.ng using your institution's registered credentials. Ensure your access is current before you need to use it urgently.
Complete the STR Form
Fill all required sections: reporter institution details, subject of report (individual/entity), account information, transaction details, and a clear narrative explaining what is suspicious and why.
Submit and Record
Submit via goAML. Save the submission reference number. Retain all supporting documentation, internal notes, and the submitted form for at least 5 years.
Common STR Filing Mistakes Nigerian Banks Make
MISTAKE
Filing late (after 24-hour window)
CONSEQUENCE
Sanctionable offence, direct CBN fine risk
MISTAKE
Narrative too vague or incomplete
CONSEQUENCE
NFIU may reject or request resubmission, creates delay risk
MISTAKE
Missing transaction details
CONSEQUENCE
Reduces intelligence value and creates examination gap
MISTAKE
Failing to file because amount seems small
CONSEQUENCE
Amount is irrelevant, suspicion alone triggers obligation
MISTAKE
Tipping off the customer
CONSEQUENCE
Criminal offence under MLPPA 2022
MISTAKE
No internal record of the filing decision
CONSEQUENCE
Audit trail gap, CBN examination finding risk
How AI Automation Transforms STR Filing
Manual STR processes are slow and error-prone. AI-powered AML platforms can:
Never Miss a STR Deadline Again
AI Shield Nexus automates STR detection, case investigation, form generation, and goAML submission, so your bank never misses the 24-hour filing window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an STR in Nigeria?
An STR (Suspicious Transaction Report) is a mandatory report Nigerian banks file with the NFIU via goAML within 24 hours of detecting or suspecting a transaction linked to money laundering or financial crime. There is no minimum amount threshold.
What is the deadline for filing an STR in Nigeria?
Nigerian banks must file STRs within 24 hours of confirming suspicion. The clock starts when the decision to file is made, not when the transaction occurred.
What triggers an STR in Nigeria?
STR triggers include unusual transaction patterns, structuring, unexplained wealth, inconsistency with customer profile, high-risk jurisdiction links, and customer reluctance to provide documentation.
How do you file an STR in Nigeria?
STRs must be filed via the NFIU's goAML platform. Log in, complete the STR form with subject and transaction details and a narrative, then submit. Automated AML platforms can pre-populate and auto-submit STRs.
Can a bank tip off customers before filing an STR?
No. Tipping off is a criminal offence under Nigeria's Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Banks must file secretly and maintain confidentiality.