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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 will strengthen investor confidence and attract fresh foreign investments into the country. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Dr. Agama said the FATF’s decision reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective financial governance. “It means so much for us in the capital market and for the financial system as a whole. It brings about something we have been craving for — investor confidence. “Delisting from that grey list sends a strong signal to global investors and trading partners that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks,” Agama stated. ALSO READ: Kebbi gov reshuffles cabinet, redeploys two commissioners The FATF, an intergovernmental body that sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing, announced on Friday that Nigeria had been removed from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring after over two years of reform efforts. Nigeria had implemented a comprehensive 19-point action plan addressing deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework — a process that required coordination among multiple government and financial institutions. Dr. Agama commended the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and her team for their leadership in ensuring compliance with FATF requirements. “The NFIU was at the forefront of this initiative, and we commend their diligence and commitment, which have earned Nigeria global recognition for strengthening its institutional capacity to tackle financial crimes,” he said. He also acknowledged the contributions of key government actors, including the National Security Adviser, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Ministers of Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, and State for Finance, as well as the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary. According to the SEC boss, the delisting represents “a welcome call to new investments,” noting that it will help consolidate ongoing economic reforms, enhance productivity, and deepen confidence in Nigeria’s capital market. “The FATF decision validates the reforms we’ve been implementing. It’s a signal to the international community that Nigeria is open for business and committed to maintaining a sound, transparent financial environment,” he added. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
