UK Envoy Applauds Nigeria’s Exit From FATF Grey List, Hails Tinubu’s Reform Drive
By NJORIGE LYNUS
THE British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has commended Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s financial reform journey.
In a post on X, Montgomery hailed the development as “brilliant news,” crediting it to the reform initiatives championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Brilliant news that the Financial Action Task Force has de-listed Nigeria from the ‘grey list’. Reflects strong efforts to implement reforms by the Nigerian government and opens up new opportunities for trade and investment,” Montgomery wrote.
The FATF, the global watchdog against money laundering and terrorist financing, placed Nigeria on its grey list in 2023, citing weaknesses in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.
Following two years of reforms, audits, and institutional strengthening, FATF officially removed Nigeria from the list at its October 2025 Plenary in Paris, acknowledging the country’s compliance with its Action Plan.
The delisting followed coordinated efforts led by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in collaboration with the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Interior, as well as multiple regulatory and enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu described the delisting as “a strategic victory” for Nigeria’s economy, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and financial integrity.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our financial reform agenda,” Tinubu said. “We will sustain these reforms and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians — and the world — can trust.”
Tinubu also praised Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, Director and CEO of the NFIU, and her team for their diligence and professionalism, which earned Nigeria global recognition for its anti-financial crime efforts.
He extended appreciation to key institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission, EFCC, ICPC, Nigeria Police, and Nigeria Customs Service for their roles in achieving the milestone.
Nigeria’s delisting is expected to boost investor confidence, improve international financial relations, and enhance the country’s global credit standing.
