Senate confirms Hafsat Bakari as NFIU CEO

The senate has confirmed the appointment of Hafsat Bakari as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The red chamber confirmed Bakari after Emmanuel Udende, chair of the senate committee on anti-corruption, presented a report for consideration by his colleagues.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu appointed Bakari as the substantive head of the NFIU, and sought the nod of the upper legislative chamber for her to assume office.

Bakari is replacing Modibbo Maman Tukur, whose tenure expired on January 27, 2024.

While presenting his report, Udende, senator representing Benue north-west, said the nominee met the requirements expected of her.

“After a thorough screening and a question and answer session, the committee recommends for confirmation the appointment of Hafsat Bakari as NFIU CEO,” he said.

Her nomination was confirmed after it was put to a voice vote.

Before she was appointed NFIU CEO, Bakari served as the agency’s deputy director.

At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where she previously worked, Bakari headed the general services unit, strategy and reorientation unit, and the board secretariat.

The NFIU is a federal agency responsible for collecting and analysing disclosures from reporting organisations.

It produces financial intelligence for other agencies combatting money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes.