The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, officially confirmed the nomination of Shaakaa Chira as the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF). This move followed President Bola Tinubu’s prior transmission of Chira’s name to the Senate for the appointment’s formal confirmation. Chira’s appointment is effective from October 20, 2023.
Profile of Shaakaa Chira: Shaakaa Chira was born on February 12, 1968, and hails from Donga Local Government in Taraba State, Nigeria. He boasts an impressive academic background, holding a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Public Sector Accounting and a master’s in business administration (MBA).
Chira’s professional qualifications include being a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), a Member of the Computer Forensics Institute, Nigeria (MCFI), and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI).
He has received extensive training in various areas, including performance auditing, international public sector accounting standards, and computer forensics and fraud examination. Chira’s commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in training programs such as Geopolitics, Industrial Reforms, and System Engineering organized by LITESOL consultancy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for Executives in Dubai, UAE, among others.
Work Experience: Chira’s career history is marked by notable positions within the auditing and accounting field. He served as the Deputy Director of Audit in the Programme and Performance Audit Department from 2018 to 2022, where he took charge of the Performance Audit division, with responsibilities including audit development planning and advisory roles related to auditing matters.
His experience also includes a stint as Deputy Director of Audit in the Federal Capital Territory/Area Council (FCT/AC) Audit Department in Abuja in 2017. During this time, he managed divisions and contributed to audit development planning while assisting in the department’s general administration.
Chira’s impressive career also includes the role of Assistant Director of Audit in the Legislative Audit Department at the National Assembly in 2016, where he managed a branch at the department’s headquarters. He has held numerous other positions, including Chief Auditor at the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation.
Personal Life: Apart from his professional achievements, Chira enjoys reading, staying informed by listening to the news, and engaging in farming. He is also a family man, married with children.
Shaakaa Chira’s appointment as the Auditor General of the Federation underscores the importance of his extensive experience and qualifications in the field of auditing and financial accountability.