₦airaland Forum

President Tinubu welcomes delisting of Nigeria from the FATF Grey List, says Nigeria is committed to Global Financial Transparency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has welcomed Nigeria's delisting from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The FATF announced the delisting at its Plenary in Paris, France, today.

The FATF is the world’s foremost standard-setting body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The announcement formally removed Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly referred to as the “grey list”.

President Tinubu described the development as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity and global credibility.”

This decision follows Nigeria’s successful and timely completion of its FATF Action Plan, marking over two years of sustained effort, reform and inter-agency coordination aimed at strengthening the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

In February 2023, the FATF placed Nigeria on the grey list. The message from the global community was clear: the nation needed more vigorous enforcement, better coordination, and greater transparency. Rather than treat this as a setback, Nigeria viewed it as a call to action.

Under President Tinubu’s strategic leadership and in line with the economic transformation agenda of his administration, Nigeria implemented far-reaching legal, institutional and operational reforms.

This was achieved through the coordination of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), working in conjunction with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Interior.

President Tinubu applauded the vital support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Aviation, the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Solid Minerals, the Minister of State for Finance, the National Security Adviser as well as the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, in the attainment of the laudable achievement.

President Tinubu commended the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Ms Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and the staff for their diligence in ensuring the complete and timely implementation of the country’s Action Plan. He noted that the NFIU’s work has led to the recognition by the international community of the strides Nigeria has made in strengthening its measures to tackle serious crimes.

“Without their dedication and sacrifice, today’s success could not have been achieved. I thank them for their efforts and urged other stakeholders to emulate their standards”, President Tinubu said.

Nigeria’s efforts in completing the Action Plan were complemented by the country’s close partnership with the FATF and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

President Tinubu acknowledged the strong support of international partners, the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations and the European Commission, for their steadfast technical assistance during Nigeria’s reform process.

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list is “not just a technical accomplishment, it is a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance.

“The exit from the FATF grey list marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s financial reform agenda as Nigeria will sustain the already institutionalised reforms, deepen institutional collaboration and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians and the world can trust”.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
October 24, 2025

Tenrack:
Nawa. This is what we're celebrating now?

First couple to get married on Nigeria APC made possible train 👌

This is the possibility of APC transformative agenda.

Congratulations to the couple pic.twitter.com/92VLZDpZ22

— Oguntoye Opeyemi (@Equityoyo) October 19, 2025

Certain echo chambers on social media have played significant roles in amplifying claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, TheCable can report.

Since Boko Haram’s insurgency began in 2009, allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria have periodically surfaced.

While such narratives have persisted over the years, their intensity has fluctuated — fading briefly after last year before regaining momentum in 2025.

Data from X showed that online conversations referencing the Christian genocide narrative remained below 5,000 posts from March to July, rose to nearly 10,000 between July and August, and then recorded a double surge in October, peaking at around 20,000 posts — the highest level in years.

Between January 1 and October 1, the period covered by the investigation, there were approximately 165,000 mentions of the topic on X — an average of about 578 posts per day.

In the same period, the posts reached an estimated 2.83 billion people — a figure more than twelve times Nigeria’s population of roughly 230 million and about one-third of the world’s eight billion people.

EKO LONPE BI!

Electric Street-Sweeper cleaning Mile2 to Ijeshatedo Road (Mile2 to Coconut route), Oshodi to Iyana Oworonshoki, Osborne traffic light to Grover Junction (Alfred Rewane route), Adeniji Adele to iyana Oworonshoki (Third Mainland Bridge) and other parts of Lagos… pic.twitter.com/CiviEQK7hf

— 36kinniun media👑 🦁 🕊 (@fattylincorn_01) October 15, 2025

SadiqBabaSani:
You left out the ‘Bad Presidential’

I do not blame Peter Mba for dumping @OfficialPDPNig for the @OfficialAPCNg

The PDP destroyed itself by love of Wike's money.

APC is d best organized & sensible party.

But it has bad presidential candidate.

@PeterObi is the best guy to save Nigeria now

But which party now

Says Medium-Term Prospects Remain Strong, Commends Ongoing Reforms

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 3.9 per cent, a 0.5 percentage point increase from its earlier projection.

The Fund attributed the improved outlook to stronger macroeconomic stability, rising investor confidence, and increased oil output.

The upward revision was announced on Tuesday during the presentation of the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook report at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

For 2026, the IMF projects Nigeria’s growth to further strengthen to 4.2 per cent, reflecting a 0.9 percentage point improvement from its previous forecast. The Fund said the revision reflects reduced domestic uncertainty and Nigeria’s limited exposure to the new tariffs imposed by the United States, which have had minimal impact due to the country’s modest trade links with the U.S.

According to the IMF, the Nigerian economy has shown notable resilience in recent months. It was observed that the exchange rate has appreciated, financial conditions have improved, and investor sentiment has strengthened since July.

“The country’s fiscal stance remains supportive, while the hydrocarbon sector has benefited from higher oil production and improved security around key installations. These factors together underpin the stronger growth outlook for Nigeria,” the Fund stated.

The IMF also revised its estimate for 2024 growth upward to 4.1 per cent, representing a 0.7 percentage point increase from its earlier forecast.

It explained that the adjustment followed the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which now captures a wider range of economic activities, including those within the informal sector.

On the broader regional outlook, the IMF said Sub-Saharan Africa continues to display resilience, supported by ongoing reforms in key economies such as Nigeria and Ethiopia. However, it warned that resource-dependent and conflict-affected countries still face significant challenges that could weigh on growth.

To unlock the region’s growth potential, the Fund urged governments to strengthen institutions, deepen structural reforms, expand revenue through tax reforms, and enhance debt transparency.

The report also noted that while changes in global trade dynamics continue to influence economic performance, technological investments and fiscal policies are increasingly shaping global growth patterns.

It was observed that the U.S. tariffs announced earlier this year have had only a limited impact on global output due to smaller-than-expected shocks and the private sector’s agility in adjusting supply chains.

Nonetheless, the IMF cautioned that the global outlook remains fragile, highlighting several downside risks such as potential overheating from the AI-driven technology boom, persistent weakness in China’s property sector, slow rebuilding of fiscal buffers, and political pressures on central banks that could undermine credibility and fuel inflation.

Despite these risks, the Fund maintained that Nigeria’s medium-term prospects remain strong, supported by ongoing economic reforms, greater political stability, and favourable oil market conditions.

President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The request was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday.

Akpabio also read other communications from the President regarding appointments that require legislative approval.

According to the letter, the nomination is in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for such appointments.

The request has been referred to the committee of the whole for further legislative consideration.

Last Thursday, the President presented Amupitan’s name as his preferred nominee to fill the leadership vacancy at the electoral commission.

The Council of State unanimously approved the nomination of Amupitan, as the next INEC Chairman, following the exit of Mahmood Yakubu.

Tinubu told the council that Amupitan, an indigene of Kogi state in the north-central geopolitical zone, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the role of INEC chairman.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Tinubu described the nominee as an “apolitical” figure.

Council members, including former heads of state, gave unanimous backing to the nomination. Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, also described Amupitan as a “man of integrity”.

Amupitan, 58, is a professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau state, where he also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (administration).

Commentor:
Elupee and PDP ought to be ashamed of themselves.

President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the Nigerian Population Commission.

Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation of NCC chairman Olorunnimbe, Tella as REC Oyo, others

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged the Senate to consider and confirm Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with Dr Aminu Wada retaining his position as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The request was contained in Tinubu’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

The letter also included the nomination of other members to the NCC Board.

They are Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Maryam Bayi, Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, and Oforitsenere Emiko.

The President explained that the nominations were part of the administration’s efforts to reposition key communication and regulatory institutions for better service delivery.

In a similar letter, President Tinubu asked the Senate to confirmation of Dr Musa Babayo as Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), and Prof. Adeniran Raymond Tella as Resident Electoral Commissioner (Oyo State) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also forwarded for legislative approval was the nomination of Keji Onwu as Independent Director on the Board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), alongside nominees for the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

After reading the letters, Akpabio referred the nominations to the relevant Senate committees for screening

It directed its committee on INEC to conclude its assignment within one week.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria as peddled by foreign agents.

Recently, US comedian and HBO host Bill Maher made an allegation about Christian genocide in Nigeria, blaming it on Islamists in the country.

“I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria. They’ve killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They’ve burnt 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza.

They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,” Maher said.

Also, US Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian government officials of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.”

He also lamented that Nigerian Christians are being targeted and executed for their faith by Islamist terrorist groups, adding that they “are being forced to submit to sharia law and blasphemy laws across Nigeria. It is long past time to impose real costs on the Nigerian officials who facilitate these activities…”

Calling for those responsible to be held accountable, the Texas Senator said he has introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to the US Senate, which would target these officials with powerful sanctions and other tools.

Additionally, Riley Moore, the member representing West Virginia’s 2nd District in the United States Congress, wrote a letter to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urging him to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

He also urged Rubio to halt arms sales and all associated technical support until the Nigerian government demonstrates it is sufficiently committed to ending this reign of persecution and slaughter against Christians.

Meanwhile, the Presidency, in multiple statements, has dismissed the claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria as lies, stressing that there is no religious war going on in the country.

Bullets don’t look for a Christian or spare a Muslim
When our correspondent reached out to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the organisation’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba,

admitted that killings were going on in the country. He, however, dismissed the claims that there were attacks against Christians alone.

Ayuba said, “All I will say to you is that empirical facts exist all over the space about the spate of killings in Nigeria. The pattern of killings has truly not been in a particular pattern. In some Christian-dominated states like Benue, it will appear as if Christians are being killed.

But this same insurgency has claimed several Muslims in their early morning prayers; they attack them in their mosques, slaughter them, kidnap people and do a lot of things.

“Sometimes, our situation is being taken advantage of by groups who know what they benefit from foreign interests.

Those foreign interests have a right to poke their noses into what’s going on in our system, but we also have a right to report things as they are.

“Yes, it’s concerning that this insurgency is lasting too long. Also, the spate of killings does not take any pattern. If they open fire in a marketplace, the bullets don’t look for a Christian or spare a Muslim or even spare a baby.

So, all we must be doing now is adopt an all-of-society action to stop this insurgency and also address issues of groupthink. Why run to America when you have a Senate here where you can file your petition? In the end, when they place Nigeria as a country of particular interest, all of us will suffer. But those who run abroad to look for sympathy know why they do that.”

Dauda Kahutu Rarara, along with his wife, Aisha Humaira, paid a courtesy visit to President Tinubu in Lagos yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZVPOVZnRjd

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) October 7, 2025

When it comes to Lagos State, every tom, dick and harry have an opinion. Was it illegal when Gov. @alexottiofr
removed contraventions in Abia State? Was it also illegal when Gov @CCSoludo
also removed contraventions in Anambra?

Here in Lagos, every of our actions is backed by the law and we stand by it all. We remain committed to enforcing the laws without distraction, irrespective of whose ox is gored!

#ThisIsLagos