Buhari meets new anti-graft agency boss

President Muhammadu Buhari has met with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, at the State House, Abuja.

The Senate had earlier in the week confirmed Mr Bawa, who was nominated by the president on February 15, as the substantive chairman of the anti financial crime agency following his successful screening.

The Presidency said Bawa’s nomination was in accordance with Section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2003.

Mr Bawa’s appointment was endorsed by the lawmakers after a voice vote by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.

Mr Bawa, an indigene of Kebbi state and certified anti-money laundering specialist, has Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and masters degree in international affairs and diplomacy.

With his confirmation, bawa replaced Mohammed Umar, who has been in an acting capacity since July 2020 after the suspension of Ibrahim Magu over allegations of gross misconduct.

While responding to questions regarding what he will do differently from his predecessors, Mr. Bawa said he will reposition the commission by ensuring that it strengthens its standard operating procedures.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is a Nigerian law enforcement agency established in 2004 to rid Nigeria of Economic and Financial Crimes and to effectively coordinate the domestic effort of the global fight against money laundering and terrorists financing.