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The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has described Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a major milestone that underscores the country’s strengthened commitment to financial transparency and good governance.
FATF, the global standard-setter for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT), announced Nigeria’s delisting on Friday, marking the end of over two years of enhanced monitoring due to identified strategic deficiencies in its financial systems.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Agama noted that the development represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s capital market and overall financial system. He emphasized that the delisting would significantly enhance investor confidence, attract foreign direct investment, and improve the country’s international financial reputation.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Nigeria’s financial sector. The FATF delisting means that investor confidence will be greatly strengthened. It sends a powerful signal to the global investment community that Nigeria is committed to maintaining robust AML and CFT frameworks,” Agama stated.
He described the move as a “welcome call to new investments,” highlighting that it would stimulate economic productivity, deepen market participation, and foster sustainable long-term growth.
Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list followed the successful implementation of a comprehensive 19-point action plan, which addressed all identified deficiencies and brought the country into alignment with international compliance standards.
Agama commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), under the leadership of Hafsat Bakari, for its pivotal role in coordinating the reforms that led to the delisting.
“The NFIU demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout this process. Their work has positioned Nigeria as a country that takes the fight against financial crimes seriously,” he added.
The SEC DG also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of key government stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and several ministries—such as Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, and State for Finance—alongside the National Assembly and the Judiciary.
Agama affirmed that the FATF delisting is not just a regulatory achievement but a reflection of Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda and institutional resilience.
“This milestone enhances Nigeria’s global standing and reaffirms our dedication to building a transparent, credible, and investor-friendly economy,” he concluded.
The successful delisting positions Nigeria for renewed foreign investment inflows, stronger financial partnerships, and a more resilient economy anchored on integrity and global best practices.
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