In a significant boost to the nation's economic profile, the Federal Government announced Nigeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List alongside the recording of a massive trade surplus. The twin announcements, made on Monday, mark a pivotal moment in the country's efforts to restore credibility and attract foreign investment.
Exiting the FATF Grey List: A Milestone for Financial Integrity
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the development during an end-of-year press briefing in Abuja. He stated that Nigeria's exit from the FATF Grey List is the direct result of sustained institutional reforms targeting money laundering, terrorist financing, and other serious financial crimes.
"This achievement reflects years of coordinated institutional reforms and a firm commitment to global best practices," Idris said. He emphasized that the delisting would ease international transaction bottlenecks for Nigerian businesses, improve access to global finance, and significantly enhance the country's standing within the worldwide financial system.
Robust Trade Performance and Macroeconomic Gains
Concurrently, the government reported a stellar trade performance for the third quarter of 2025. Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 27.29 per cent.
The Minister attributed this strong outcome to notable export growth and improved management of the trade balance. "The numbers show that our trade position is strengthening and that Nigeria is gradually repositioning itself in global commerce," he remarked.
Other key macroeconomic indicators also painted a picture of steady progress:
- The economy grew by 3.98 per cent in Q3 2025, driven largely by non-oil sectors.
- Headline inflation declined for the eighth consecutive month to 14.45 per cent in November.
- External reserves climbed to approximately $44.56 billion, offering a stronger buffer against external economic shocks.
- Business confidence remained positive, with Purchasing Managers' Index data indicating 12 straight months of expansion.
Renewed Investor Trust and the Path Forward
A clear signal of renewed international confidence, according to Idris, was the overwhelming response to Nigeria's recent Eurobond issuance. The offering attracted subscriptions worth about 400 per cent of its $2.3 billion target.
The Minister affirmed the Federal Government's commitment to sustaining the current reform trajectory. He highlighted ongoing efforts in fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation, and targeted investments in critical areas like infrastructure, security, and human capital development.
"The reforms are yielding results," Idris stated, adding that the focus for the coming year would be on sustaining growth, improving livelihoods, and strengthening Nigeria's position in the global economy.
