EU Delists Nigeria, Applauds Reform Gains
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the decision of the European Union (EU) to remove Nigeria from its list of “high-risk third-country jurisdictions” for money laundering and terrorism financing, describing it as a strong validation of the Federal Government’s ongoing economic and governance reforms.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party noted that the delisting, which also applies to South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Tanzania, reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory under the Renewed Hope agenda.
According to the Lagos APC, Nigeria’s removal from the EU watchlist was the outcome of sustained improvements in financial governance, stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and a renewed commitment to transparency and compliance with global standards.
The party said the development underscored the impact of reforms implemented by the Federal Government to strengthen safeguards, improve enforcement mechanisms and align the country with international best practices in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Beyond its symbolic value, the APC noted that the decision carried significant economic implications, including improved investor confidence, smoother cross-border financial transactions, reduced compliance burdens for Nigerian businesses and better access to global financial systems.
The statement added that the delisting sent a clear signal to the international community that Nigeria was open for business in a credible, responsible and competitive manner.
Reacting to criticism from opposition quarters, the Lagos APC said the EU decision contradicted narratives aimed at portraying Nigeria negatively abroad, stressing that the assessment by independent international institutions reflected measurable progress rather than political rhetoric.
The party commended the Federal Government for its focus and resolve, urging Nigerians to take pride in what it described as an important national milestone.
“Governance is a marathon, not a sprint. Each credible international validation strengthens confidence and accelerates momentum,” the statement said, adding that Nigeria’s improving global standing was driven by tangible actions and results.
The Lagos APC called on stakeholders to support ongoing reforms and reject what it described as the politics of pessimism, noting that the EU decision demonstrated that Nigeria was steadily regaining trust, credibility and respect on the global stage.
The statement was signed by the Lagos State APC spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, and dated January 17, 2026.
