FATF Delisting to Enhance Investor Confidence in Nigeria — SEC Director-General

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has hailed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a testament to the nation’s renewed commitment to transparency, sound governance, and global financial standards.

The FATF, which monitors global compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards, maintains “grey” and “black” lists for countries with identified deficiencies. Nations on the grey list are those working with the organisation to improve their frameworks.

On Friday, FATF officially announced Nigeria’s delisting after confirming that the country had addressed the identified strategic gaps in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Dr. Agama said the move would greatly strengthen investor confidence and attract increased foreign investment inflows.

“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s financial system and capital market,” he said. “Being removed from the FATF grey list sends a strong message to global investors and trading partners that Nigeria has made remarkable progress in fortifying its regulatory and institutional structures. It boosts confidence, credibility, and trust in our markets.”

He further described the delisting as “a welcome call to new investments,” noting that it will enhance productivity, deepen market participation, and foster sustainable economic growth.

The FATF’s decision follows Nigeria’s successful implementation of a 19-point action plan over two years, demonstrating tangible progress in strengthening its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

Dr. Agama commended the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and her team for their outstanding efforts in executing the reforms, adding that the achievement marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive toward economic integrity and international credibility.