In a significant development, the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warmly welcomed the European Union’s decision to remove Nigeria from its list of “high-risk third-country jurisdictions” for money laundering and terrorist financing.
This landmark move, which also affects South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, and Tanzania, represents a strong international endorsement of Nigeria’s reform agenda and signals that the country is steadily moving in the right direction.
Speaking on Saturday, the party’s spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, emphasized that the delisting is no accident. “It reflects sustained improvements in Nigeria’s financial governance architecture, strengthened regulatory oversight, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and a renewed commitment to transparency and compliance with global standards,” he said.
Oladejo noted that the decision validates the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the Federal Government to tighten safeguards, improve enforcement, and align Nigeria with international best practices.
“Beyond symbolism, the implications are profound,” he added. “Nigeria’s removal from the high-risk list restores confidence among international investors, facilitates cross-border transactions, reduces compliance burdens for Nigerian businesses, and improves access to global financial systems. It sends an unmistakable signal: Nigeria is open for business—credibly, responsibly, and competitively.”
The spokesman further observed that the development challenges opposition narratives. “For the opposition, this is inconvenient. It punctures the long-standing narrative of demarketing Nigeria abroad and exposes the hollowness of repeated predictions of doom. While some continue to talk the country down, independent international institutions confirm a very different story—one of progress, discipline, and reform.”
“The Lagos APC commends the Federal Government for its resolve and focus and calls on Nigerians to take pride in this milestone. Governance is a marathon, not a sprint; each credible international validation strengthens confidence and accelerates momentum.
Nigeria’s global standing is improving, not through rhetoric, but through measurable actions and tangible results,” Oladejo said.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to rally behind ongoing reforms, deepen progress, and reject the politics of pessimism. “The message from Europe is clear: Nigeria is regaining trust, credibility, and respect on the global stage.”
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