By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has recorded a significant international breakthrough in its campaign against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, following its official removal from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries under the EU Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism framework.
The development was confirmed in an official statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, who disclosed that the decision is contained in the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) C (2025) 8460, adopted on 4 December 2025. The regulation, which takes effect from 29 January 2026, aligns with the outcomes of the Financial Action Task Force Plenary held in October 2025.
Under the regulation, Nigeria was delisted alongside Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania, following their successful exit from the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring after addressing identified strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
In acknowledging the delisting, the European Commission noted that Nigeria and the other affected countries have significantly strengthened the effectiveness of their AML, CFT and counter-proliferation financing regimes, closed key technical and operational gaps, and fully implemented the commitments outlined in their respective FATF Action Plans. These reforms culminated in their removal from the FATF grey list in June and October 2025.
Nigeria’s removal from the EU high-risk list has been widely described as a strong endorsement of the country’s reform trajectory and political commitment to financial system integrity. The achievement reflects the leadership and resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration prioritised compliance with international standards, strengthened inter-agency coordination and reinforced institutional accountability across the financial and security architecture. It also underscores the sustained collaboration among critical stakeholders, including the National Assembly, law enforcement agencies, regulators and supervisors, the judiciary, the private sector and development partners.
Reacting to the development, the NFIU Chief Executive Officer described the EU decision as a powerful validation of Nigeria’s collective efforts and steady progress. “This decision represents an important external validation of Nigeria’s steady progress in strengthening its AML, CFT and CPF framework. It demonstrates that consistent reforms, effective coordination and strong national ownership can translate into tangible international outcomes,” Bakari said.
With Nigeria no longer classified as a high-risk jurisdiction by the European Union, financial transactions between Nigeria and EU Member States will no longer be subject to the enhanced due diligence requirements typically applied to high-risk countries. This is expected to ease compliance burdens for financial institutions, support smoother cross-border financial flows and significantly enhance Nigeria’s appeal for trade, investment and financial partnerships within the European market.
Analysts note that, in an increasingly competitive global trade environment, the delisting further strengthens Nigeria’s standing as a credible and reliable economic partner. It also reinforces Europe’s position as a key destination for Nigerian exports and an important source of investment, capital and financial services.
Speaking on the broader implications of the achievement, the NFIU CEO emphasised that the benefits extend beyond immediate economic gains. “Beyond the immediate economic benefits, this outcome strengthens international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and underscores our standing as a cooperative and responsible participant in the global financial architecture,” she said.
Bakari also highlighted the central role played by the NFIU in coordinating national AML, CFT and CPF efforts, improving the quality and use of financial intelligence, and supporting supervisory, investigative and prosecutorial authorities across the country. She stressed that the milestone comes with renewed responsibility for all stakeholders. “This achievement is the product of collective national effort. While we welcome this progress, it also places a clear responsibility on all stakeholders to sustain momentum, guard against complacency and continue strengthening our systems in response to evolving financial crime risks,” she added.
The NFIU reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with the FATF, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, the European Union and other international partners. The agency also pledged continued collaboration with domestic stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains compliance but further deepens the effectiveness and resilience of its AML, CFT and CPF framework.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is Nigeria’s national centre for the receipt, analysis and dissemination of financial intelligence related to money laundering, terrorist financing and related predicate offences. As a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, the NFIU works closely with domestic and international partners to safeguard the integrity, credibility and stability of Nigeria’s financial system.
