Senate confirms New NFIU Boss following Tinubu appointment

Following thorough screening and deliberation, the Nigerian Senate has confirmed Hafsat Bakare as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), solidifying her appointment to the crucial role in the nation’s financial landscape.

The resolution, adopted after the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, marks a significant step in the process. Senator Emmanuel Menga Udende, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, presented the committee’s report during Tuesday’s plenary session, garnering approval through a voice vote overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio extended congratulations to Bakare on her confirmation, urging her to leverage her extensive experience to enhance the operations and efficiency of the NFIU.

Bakare’s nomination by President Bola Tinubu for the position follows the relief of Modibbo Tukur from the role by President Tinubu in June 2023.

Prior to her nomination, Hafsat Bakare held various significant roles within the NFIU, including Deputy Director and Head of units such as General Services, Strategy and Reorientation, and the Board Secretariat at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A lawyer and financial intelligence expert, Bakare boasts years of experience in areas crucial to the NFIU’s mandate, including anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing.