NFIU Praises Inter-Agency Efforts as Nigeria Exits FATF, EU AML Lists

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has commended sustained inter-agency collaboration following Nigeria’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in October 2025 and the European Union’s decision to remove Nigeria from its list of high-risk third countries by the end of January 2026.

The NFIU said the decisions by global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing bodies validate the extensive reforms implemented since 2023 and underscore a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling illicit finance.

In a statement, the NFIU expressed appreciation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Legislature, the Judiciary, the private sector and non-profit organisations for their coordinated actions and commitment.

Commenting on the development, the NFIU Chief Executive Officer, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, described the delisting as proof of the credibility and sustainability of Nigeria’s reforms.

“Nigeria’s exit from the FATF Grey List and the EU high-risk list reflects the strength of our collective resolve and the effectiveness of sustained, coordinated reforms. It reinforces international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system,” she said.

Ms. Bakari also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that his commitment to building a safe and prosperous Nigeria was central to the success recorded.

She highlighted the strategic role played by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF, led by key ministers including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ministers of Finance, Interior and State for Finance, in ensuring policy coherence and momentum.

According to the NFIU, regulatory and supervisory agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission, National Insurance Commission and EFCC’s SCUML strengthened risk-based supervision, suspicious transaction reporting and targeted financial sanctions.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NDLEA and others, were credited with improved investigation and prosecution of high-risk offences, while border agencies enhanced detection of cross-border cash smuggling and illicit trade.

The NFIU also commended the Judiciary for timely adjudication and deterrent sanctions, the National Assembly for providing strong legislative backing, and the private sector and non-profit organisations for improving compliance across financial and non-financial sectors.

Reaffirming a forward-looking posture, Ms. Bakari said the NFIU remains committed to deepening cooperation, strengthening intelligence-led supervision and sustaining reforms as Nigeria prepares for its next AML/CFT/CPF Mutual Evaluation.