The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has celebrated Nigeria’s formal removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Grey List, describing the feat as a major uplift for Nigeria’s international credibility, business prospects, and global financial standing.
FAAN in a statement disclosed that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, in a congratulatory message, said Nigeria’s delisting from the Grey List was evidence of the nation’s ability to correct imbalances, close compliance gaps, and strengthen governance transparency when institutions collaborate with determination and unified focus.
“I am profoundly proud and elated at this remarkable achievement,” Mrs Kuku stated. “This success serves as further evidence of our nation’s capacity to achieve great things when we work together with a common purpose.”
She congratulated the Federal Government and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for spearheading the reform process that convinced FATF that Nigeria had successfully addressed the strategic deficiencies previously identified in its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) systems.
Mrs Kuku singled out the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, for special commendation, praising her for the passion, diligence and effective coordination that rallied all relevant national institutions to achieve compliance.
According to her, the delisting means Nigeria is no longer under special scrutiny or increased monitoring by FATF – a development that will now ease international financial transactions, remove credibility risks for Nigerian companies, and enhance the confidence of foreign investors who often rely on FATF classification to take investment decisions.
“This is a positive development that restores global confidence, facilitates easier and more cost-effective international trade for Nigerian businesses, and enhances our appeal to foreign investors,” she said.
The FAAN boss further stressed that the Authority played a meaningful role in the reforms that contributed to the country’s exit from the Grey List – especially through its aviation security systems, operational transparency drive, and inter-agency cooperation at Nigeria’s airports.
She assured that FAAN will continue to serve as a gatekeeper of integrity at Nigeria’s entry and exit points, adding that the Authority is unwavering in its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mrs Kuku then used the opportunity to encourage international investors to take greater interest in Nigeria, noting that the country’s improved financial compliance profile makes it an even more viable and secure investment destination with significant potential for strong returns.
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