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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has assured that Nigeria’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list on October 24, 2025, is permanent.
Speaking at a briefing ahead of the Customs PACT (C-PACT) conference scheduled from November 17 to 19, in Abuja, with the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” he detailed how the country was officially removed from the grey list, emphasising that sustained reforms, technology deployment and inter-agency coordination have firmly positioned Nigeria to never return to the grey list.
Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list marked the end of a two-year reform process after being grey-listed in February 2023 due to strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. The delisting followed Nigeria’s successful implementation of a 19-point reforms’ plan designed to bolster anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, reducing the risks Nigeria posed to the global financial system.
“The grey list was an infamous list on which Nigeria was harnessed. There were a number of issues that led us into it. But today, through technology and coordination, we have made significant strides to avoid a return to that list,” Adeniyi said.
Highlighting technological advances, he explained: “One of the things we have done with technology is to deploy the electronic currency declaration form. Now, you have a barcode to scan and the form is downloaded and sent electronically to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This has streamlined our processes and enhanced transparency.”
He also pointed to the deployment of non-intrusive scanners at key ports, including Abuja and Murtala Mohammed International Airports, as integral to combating illicit trade. “Technology helps a lot, however, critical to success has been the power of coordination, bringing all agencies under one roof to avoid working at cross purposes,” he stated.
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Addressing concerns over customs-related delays at borders, he referenced a recent Time Release Study (TRS) at Tin-Can Island Ports, noting, “It is much lower than the seven days sometimes alleged. The study has been validated by operators and the World Customs Organisation. The key is cooperation among all agencies to improve the experience.”
Looking at broader African trade, he described the upcoming C-PACT Conference as a strategic platform to unify African customs administrations, saying, “C-PACT represents what we want to achieve; improving African trade, forging partnerships, and bridging barriers. Customs is positioning itself as an agent of the African trade revolution, aligning with the President’s vision for Nigeria as the hub of trade in Africa.”
He further elaborated on intra-African trade measures, saying, “When it comes to free trade agreements, origin is the operative word. The more transformation a good undergoes in the producing country, the less duty it attracts in the destination country. Under AfCFTA, duties are progressively being reduced to zero.”
On the issue of dumping and trade fairness, he acknowledged past delays in Nigeria’s entry to continental trade initiatives and the need for vigilance. He said: “There are measures in agreements to manage dumping, especially through rules of origin. The challenge is building capacity among customs and economic operators on these rules.”
Discussing illicit trade and smuggling, he underscored the importance of intelligence-led operations and technology, saying, “We have continued to adapt strategies to combat increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks, leveraging technology and coordinated enforcement.”
He concluded with gratitude to customs officers, government leadership, stakeholders and media partners for their roles in advancing Nigeria’s customs reforms and trade facilitation. “Your commitment continues to drive our achievements and reinforces our position as a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture,” he stated.
