The decision was formalized in the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) C (2025) 8460, adopted on December 4, 2025, following updates issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during its October 2025 Plenary. The regulation will take effect on 29 January 2026.
In a statement, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) confirmed that the regulation also removes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania from the EU high-risk list. These countries had successfully exited the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring after addressing previously identified AML/CFT deficiencies.
“The European Commission acknowledged that Nigeria and the other delisted countries have strengthened the effectiveness of their AML/CFT regimes, closed key technical and operational gaps, and fulfilled the commitments set out in their FATF Action Plans, leading to their removal from the FATF grey list in June and October 2025,” the NFIU noted.
The statement highlighted the role of strong political leadership, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in prioritizing financial system integrity, inter-agency coordination, and compliance with international standards. It also credited collaboration among key stakeholders—including the National Assembly, law enforcement agencies, regulators, supervisors, the judiciary, the private sector, and development partners—for achieving the milestone.
NFIU Chief Executive Officer Hafsat Abubakar Bakari described the EU’s decision as a “significant affirmation” of Nigeria’s reform efforts. “This decision represents an important external validation of Nigeria’s steady progress in strengthening its AML/CFT/CPF framework. It demonstrates that consistent reforms, effective coordination, and strong national ownership can translate into tangible international outcomes,” she said.
Removal from the EU high-risk list means that financial transactions between Nigeria and the European Union will no longer require the enhanced due diligence previously mandated for high-risk jurisdictions. Analysts expect this to reduce compliance burdens, facilitate smoother cross-border payments, and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness for trade, investment, and financial partnerships with EU Member States.
In the context of a competitive global trade environment, the delisting is seen as reinforcing Nigeria’s standing as a reliable economic partner. It also underscores Europe’s continued role as a key destination for Nigerian exports and a source of investment and financial services.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, the NFIU CEO emphasized that the development strengthens international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and highlights the country’s role as a cooperative participant in the global financial architecture. She further noted the NFIU’s central role in coordinating national AML/CFT/CPF efforts, enhancing the use of financial intelligence, and supporting supervisory, investigative, and prosecutorial authorities across Nigeria.
“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,” Bakari added.
The NFIU reaffirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with FATF, GIABA, the European Union, and other international partners, while working closely with domestic stakeholders to maintain compliance and deepen the effectiveness and resilience of Nigeria’s AML/CFT/CPF framework.
The NFIU serves as Nigeria’s national centre for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating financial intelligence related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and associated offences. As a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, it collaborates with both domestic and international partners to safeguard the integrity of the country’s financial system.