Nigeria FATF Grey List Removal strengthens investor confidence as ICRC hails the move as a milestone for transparency and infrastructure growth.
Nigeria FATF Grey list removal has been hailed by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) as a landmark achievement that restores global confidence in the country’s financial system and strengthens its position as an investment destination.
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In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, said Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list marks a major step forward for financial transparency and international credibility.
He explained that the FATF grey list identifies countries with weaknesses in anti-money-laundering and financial oversight systems. Nigeria’s exit, he said, signals “improved financial governance, reduced perceived investment risks, and reassurance to global investors of the nation’s commitment to international standards.”
Ewalefoh attributed the development to the reforms being pursued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the decision “reflects economic stability and sound leadership.” He also commended the roles of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Ministries of Finance and Justice in strengthening the country’s compliance framework.
According to the ICRC chief, the delisting will encourage a renewed inflow of private capital into Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, which faces an estimated $2.3 trillion financing gap. “Nigeria now carries a cleaner financial risk profile,” he said. “This means lower risk premiums, easier cross-border transactions, and stronger investor confidence.”
He added that for the ICRC, the development directly supports its mission to attract innovative funding models through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
“We believe this milestone will serve as a magnet for institutional investors, impact funds, and global financiers seeking credible and rewarding opportunities in Nigeria’s infrastructure space,” he said.
Ewalefoh also highlighted how the Commission has been repositioned under the Tinubu administration, streamlining PPP processes and implementing new approval thresholds — ₦20 billion and ₦10 billion — to accelerate project delivery.
Calling on both domestic and international investors, he said: “Nigeria is open for business like never before. With FATF’s delisting and our strengthened PPP framework, the stage is set for a new wave of infrastructure investment that will redefine Nigeria’s economic landscape.”
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The Nigeria FATF Grey List Removal is widely seen as a turning point for the country’s investment outlook, offering a cleaner regulatory profile and paving the way for sustainable economic expansion.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
