The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has commended the significant inter-agency collaboration that led to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List and the European Union’s intention to delist the country from its high-risk third countries list by the end of January 2026.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NFIU highlighted recent decisions by global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing bodies, which affirm the comprehensive reforms Nigeria has undertaken since 2023 to enhance its financial integrity.
Officially removed from the FATF Grey List in October 2025, Nigeria is now set to be delisted by the European Union from its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) high-risk list later this month. The NFIU described these developments as pivotal milestones in the nation’s reform journey.
While the NFIU played a vital role in ensuring adherence to international AML/CFT and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) standards, the agency emphasized that these successes stem from a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach.
The NFIU expressed its gratitude to various stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Legislature, the Judiciary, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, for their coordinated efforts and dedication.
Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, remarked that the decisions by the FATF and the EU serve as strong evidence of the credibility and sustainability of Nigeria’s reforms, marking a significant achievement for the nation.
“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,” Bakari said.
“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.”
She attributed the success to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his commitment to building a safe and prosperous Nigeria provided strategic direction throughout the reform process.
According to the NFIU, strong oversight and policy coherence were driven by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alongside the Ministers of Finance, Interior and the Minister of State for Finance. Additional support came from the Ministries of Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Solid Minerals Development.
Security coordination was strengthened under the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly in addressing terrorism and terrorism financing through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Regulatory and supervisory improvements were led by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Insurance Commission and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through improved risk-based supervision and effective application of targeted financial sanctions.
Progress on corporate transparency was driven by the Corporate Affairs Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, while law enforcement outcomes were reinforced by agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, DIA, NDLEA and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
At Nigeria’s borders and ports of entry, the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority were credited with curbing cross-border cash smuggling and illicit trade, with investigative support from the EFCC.
The NFIU also highlighted enhanced safeguards within the non-profit sector and commended the Judiciary—particularly the Federal High Court—for timely adjudication and the imposition of dissuasive sanctions. Legislative backing from the National Assembly was described as critical in providing the legal foundation for sustained reforms.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s forward-looking posture, Bakari said the delisting “is a clear signal that our reforms are deep, credible and sustainable,” adding that the NFIU remains committed to deepening cooperation, strengthening intelligence-led supervision and exceeding global AML/CFT/CPF standards.
As Nigeria gears up for its upcoming AML/CFT/CPF Mutual Evaluation, the NFIU has pledged to maintain ongoing collaboration, vigilance, and innovation to protect the integrity of the nation’s financial system.
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