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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has commended President Bola Tinubu and inter-agency efforts following Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025 and the European Union’s (EU) intention to delist the country from its high-risk third countries list by the end of January 2026.
According to NFIU Chief Executive Officer, Hafsat Bakari, these developments validate reforms implemented since 2023 to meet international anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) standards.
Bakari stated: “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.”
She added: “The success we have enjoyed would not have been possible without the guidance of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and his commitment to building a safe and prosperous Nigeria.”
The NFIU expressed appreciation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the legislature, judiciary, private sector and non-profits for their roles.
Bakari highlighted leadership from the Attorney-General, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Finance via the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF.
She added that support also came from the Ministers of Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Solid Minerals Development.
Bakari noted that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led coordination on security risks, including terrorism financing.
She said the Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission, National Insurance Commission and EFCC’s SCUML enhanced supervision, transaction reporting and sanctions.
She added that the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority advanced corporate transparency.
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The Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Code of Conduct Bureau strengthened investigations and prosecutions.
Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority tackled cross-border smuggling, with EFCC support, while the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) boosted non-profit safeguards.
She added that the Federal Ministry of Justice facilitated convictions, mutual legal assistance and asset recovery.
The NFIU boss noted that the judiciary, including the Federal High Court, delivered timely adjudications and sanctions.
She said legislators, including the Senate President, House Speaker and relevant committee chairs, provided legal backing.
Private sector compliance officers in financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, and virtual asset providers also contributed centrally.
Bakari noted: “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.”
She concluded: “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.”
Bakari reaffirmed the NFIU’s commitment ahead of the next AML/CFT/CPF Mutual Evaluation.
