By Jane Okeke
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has described Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List and the imminent removal of the country from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries as a major validation of far-reaching financial integrity reforms implemented since 2023.
The development follows a series of decisions by global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing bodies, culminating in Nigeria’s delisting from the FATF Grey List in October 2025 and the European Union’s expressed intention to remove Nigeria from its AML/CFT watch list by the end of January 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the NFIU said the milestones marked a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its defences against illicit financial flows and restore international confidence in its financial system.
While noting that the NFIU has played a leading role in ensuring compliance with global AML/CFT/CPF standards, the agency stressed that the achievements were the product of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Accordingly, the NFIU extended profound appreciation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Legislature, the Judiciary, the private sector and non-profit organisations for their coordinated actions and sustained commitment.
Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, described the decisions of the FATF and the EU as a clear endorsement of the credibility of Nigeria’s reforms.
“Nigeria’s exit from the FATF Grey List and the European Union’s high-risk third country list reflects the strength of our collective resolve and the effectiveness of sustained, coordinated reforms. This milestone underscores our commitment to upholding global standards on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing, while reinforcing international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.”
Bakari further acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the progress recorded would not have been possible without his guidance and commitment to building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
She also highlighted the strategic oversight provided by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alongside the Ministers of Finance, Interior and State for Finance, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF, which ensured policy coherence and momentum.
The NFIU noted that security coordination under the National Security Adviser, effective sector supervision by financial regulators, enhanced corporate transparency and strengthened law enforcement outcomes all contributed significantly to the successful delisting.
Further underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration, the NFIU CEO stated:
“The successful delisting of Nigeria from the FATF Grey List and the EU AML/CFT list is a clear signal that our reforms are deep, credible and sustainable. It reflects years of disciplined implementation across government, law enforcement, the judiciary and the private sector.”
Reaffirming a forward-looking posture, Ms. Bakari added:“This achievement belongs to Nigeria and its partners. The NFIU remains steadfast in its resolve to deepen cooperation, enhance intelligence-led supervision and ensure that Nigeria continues to meet and exceed global AML/CFT/CPF expectations.”
The NFIU reaffirmed its commitment to vigilance, innovation and partnership as Nigeria prepares for its next AML/CFT/CPF Mutual Evaluation.
FATF, EU Delisting: NFIU hails inter-agency synergy, says reforms restored global confidence in Nigeria
