TheCable

The senate has confirmed Modibbo Hamman Tukur as the pioneer director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The upper legislative chamber confirmed the nominee after Chukwuka Utazi, chairman of the senate committee on anti-corruption, presented a report to the effect.

Utazi said Tukur satisfied all the requirements expected of him when he appeared before the committee for screening.

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, said the director must remain neutral in doing his job.

“He must remember that his tenure will end and he will account to everyone, including himself. What he will do while in this position is what counts. He must remain neutral and independent,” Ekweremadu said.

After the lawmakers confirmed Tukur via a voice vote, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the NFIU will be instrumental in the fight against corruption.

“Let me on behalf of my distinguished colleagues congratulate Modibbo R. Hamman on his appointment as the first director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit; the first of its kind in this country,” Saraki said.

“In the senate, we moved for the independence of the NFIU which will help in the fight against corruption. I thank everyone that participated in the creation of this unit.

“As has been said by some of our colleagues like the DSP, This is a very important unit. We must ensure the neutrality, professionalism & independence of this unit because whatever it does reflects on the country in the fight against corruption.”

TheCable had reported how the Egmont Group suspended Nigeria because it did not have an independent financial intelligence unit.

This led to the initiation and speedy passage of the bill by the national assembly, separating the unit from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill into law in July.