The Senate on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 confirmed Mr Moddibo Hamman Tukur as the first Director of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Mr Hamman assumes office as the Unit’s first Director since its establishment as an independent unit in 2018 through an enabling legislation by the National Assembly; having previously operated within the confines of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) till Nigeria’s suspension by the Egmont Group (a united body of 159 Financial Intelligence Units) due to NFIU’s lack of autonomous status. Under the current NFIU Act that saw Nigeria’s suspension lifted, the Unit is designated as independent and a central body that receives, requests, analyses and disseminates financial intelligence reports and other information with regard to law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies. As head of NFIU, Mr. Hamman, who also takes the role of Chief and Executive Officer, will hold office for a 5-year renewable term.
Commending his appointment, the Senate called on the Director to eschew neutrality, professionalism and independence, in the country’s fight against corruption. The current NFIU Act was assented to by President Buhari on July 11, 2018 after the Conference Committee Reports of the Senate and House of Representatives were adopted by the National Assembly in March, 2018.