Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has expressed strong optimism and hailed Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Describing it as a landmark achievement, he noted that this delisting would significantly rekindle investor confidence and open new avenues for foreign investment in the country. FATF, the global body responsible for promoting measures against money laundering and terrorism financing, had announced Nigeria's delisting from its group of countries identified as having strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) systems.

Agama explained that this development clearly reflects Nigeria’s renewed policy direction and deepening commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance. He emphasized that the delisting marks a crucial turning point for the Nigerian capital market and the wider financial ecosystem. It sends a very strong signal to investors and international partners that Nigeria has made tangible and significant progress in strengthening its regulatory and institutional frameworks.

Investor confidence, long seen as a vital driver of economic growth, is now expected to receive a substantial boost, creating a more attractive environment for both local and foreign capital inflows. The SEC boss described FATF’s decision as a “welcome call to new investments,” underscoring its potential to stimulate greater productivity, enhance the depth of the capital market, and accelerate national development. He reiterated that the release from the grey list would strengthen productivity and growth in the Nigerian economy.

Nigeria's success in exiting the grey list came after implementing a comprehensive 19-point action plan designed to address FATF’s concerns. This sustained effort demonstrated meaningful progress in improving its systems for combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. This rigorous process culminated in the country’s removal after more than two years of evaluation and monitoring by the global watchdog, solidifying it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing journey toward economic reform, institutional integrity, and global credibility.

Dr. Agama lauded Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and her team for their diligence, professionalism, and leadership in coordinating the implementation of Nigeria’s action plan. He highlighted that the NFIU played a central role, being at the forefront of this initiative, driving the reforms that earned Nigeria global recognition for its commitment to building robust systems to tackle financial crimes.

Furthermore, the SEC Director-General extended appreciation to several key figures and bodies in government who contributed to this national success. These included the National Security Adviser, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and ministers such as those for Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, and State for Finance. The leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary were also praised for their collaborative efforts, which were crucial in achieving FATF’s approval and Nigeria’s delisting.