Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Mr. Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira assumed the role of Auditor-General for the Federation in Nigeria on October 20, 2023, having been appointed by the President of the Federal Republic, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Born on February 12, 1968, in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba state, Nigeria, Mr. Chira brings a wealth of knowledge and qualifications to this significant role.
Education plays a prominent role in his background, as he holds a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Public Sector Accounting and a Master in Business Administration (MBA). Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA) and a member of the Computer Forensics Institute, Nigeria (MCFI), as well as the Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI).
Furthermore, Mr. Chira’s professional development has been marked by extensive training experiences. He’s been trained as an AFROSAI-E Performance Auditor and has undergone specialized programs on topics like Geopolitics, Industrial Reforms, and System Engineering, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Performance Auditing, Computer Forensics, and more. His commitment to learning and professional growth is evident in this extensive list.
In terms of his career trajectory, Mr. Chira has held various significant positions. Notably, he served as the Deputy Director of Audit in the Programme and Performance Audit Department from 2018 to 2022, where he managed the Performance Audit division, contributing to audit development planning and providing vital advice to the Director.
He also served as the Deputy Director of Audit for the Federal Capital Territory/Area Council (FCT/AC) Audit Department in Abuja in 2017. In this role, he was responsible for Audit development planning and played a crucial part in the department’s general administration. His career has been marked by a series of progressively responsible positions, including Assistant Director of Audit at the Legislative Audit Department of the National Assembly.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Chira enjoys reading, keeping up with the news, and farming. He is a devoted family man, married with children.
Mr. Chira’s appointment as the Auditor-General for the Federation came following the retirement of Mr. Adolphus Aghughu on September 7, 2022. With his extensive education, professional experience, and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Chira is well-equipped to continue the important work of auditing and ensuring transparency in Nigeria.