Federal Government Welcomes Removal From EU High-risk List

Federal Government welcomes removal from EU high-risk list
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially welcomed the European Commission’s decision to remove the country from the European Union’s list of High-Risk Third Countries for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The development was announced in a European Commission Delegated Regulation published this week, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to strengthen financial transparency and regulatory compliance.
Federal Ministry of Finance
Reform success after FATF exit
Nigeria’s EU delisting follows its earlier removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 after the successful completion of its FATF Action Plan. The reforms addressed technical and strategic deficiencies that previously placed the country under increased international monitoring.
Federal Ministry of Finance
Government reaction & leadership credit
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the EU decision as a major boost to Nigeria’s global financial credibility and a validation of the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Edun noted that under President Tinubu’s vision, AML/CFT reforms were prioritised as a core part of Nigeria’s economic governance and financial system stability agenda.
Federal Ministry of Finance
Expected economic impact
Officials say the removal is expected to:

• Ease financial transactions and reduce enhanced due diligence requirements for Nigerian individuals, businesses, and financial institutions dealing with European partners.
• Improve correspondent banking relationships and deepen integration into the global financial system.
• Boost investor confidence and create a more favourable environment for trade and investment.
  Federal Ministry of Finance
  Broader government remarks
  The Federal Government commended all stakeholders who contributed to the reforms — including financial regulators, law enforcement, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, judiciary, and private sector operators. While celebrating the milestone, officials reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining and deepening AML/CFT reforms in collaboration with the FATF, the EU and other international partners.
  Federal Ministry of Finance
  What this means going forward
  Being on the EU’s high-risk list previously meant enhanced scrutiny on transactions with European entities. With its removal effective once procedural approvals are complete, Nigeria is now positioned to benefit from smoother cross-border financial flows and a stronger reputation in the international financial community — a development government officials associate with the broader