The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Hafsat Bakari as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Bakari’s confirmation comes following a presentation by Emmanuel Udende, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, who recommended her appointment for confirmation.
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Bakari as the substantive head of the NFIU, seeking the approval of the upper legislative chamber for her assumption of office. Bakari is set to replace Modibbo Maman Tukur, whose tenure expired on January 27, 2024.
During the confirmation process, Senator Udende assured his colleagues that Bakari met all the necessary requirements for the role.
“After a thorough screening and a question and answer session, the committee recommends for confirmation the appointment of Hafsat Bakari as NFIU CEO,” Udende stated.
Bakari’s nomination was subsequently confirmed through a voice vote by the Senate.
Prior to her appointment as NFIU CEO, Bakari served as the agency’s Deputy Director. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where she held various leadership positions including heading the general services unit, strategy and reorientation unit, and the board secretariat.
The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is a federal agency tasked with collecting and analyzing disclosures from reporting organizations to produce financial intelligence for agencies combatting money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes.
