Nigeria Makes History as David Nkang Odu Emerges Member of the ACFE Board of Regents
Abuja, Nigeria – January 2026
Nigeria has once again secured global recognition in the fight against fraud and financial crime as Mr. David Nkang Odu, a Cross River State–born Central Banker, has been elected as a Member of the Board of Regents of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
Mr. Odu was voted into office by Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) across more than 180 countries, making him the first Nigerian and first West African to be elected to the highest elective office of the world’s largest anti-fraud organization.
The ACFE Board of Regents is the organization’s supreme governing body, responsible for setting strategic direction, professional standards, and global policy priorities for fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence. The election represents a landmark achievement not only for Mr. Odu, but also for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
This historic milestone comes shortly after Nigeria’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, reinforcing international confidence in the country’s sustained commitment to strengthening its anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and financial integrity frameworks. Mr. Odu’s election is widely viewed as a positive signal that Nigeria’s reform efforts are gaining global credibility and recognition.
A seasoned anti-financial crime professional and Central Bank official, Mr. Odu brings extensive experience in fraud risk management, AML/CFT compliance, financial intelligence, and regulatory governance to the Board. His election underscores the growing influence of African professionals in shaping global financial crime policy and professional practice.
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Board of Regents members is scheduled for February 2026, with Mr. Odu to serve a two-year term.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Odu described the election as “a profound honour and a responsibility to represent Nigeria, West Africa, and emerging markets on a global platform dedicated to protecting the integrity of financial systems worldwide.”
The achievement marks a proud moment for Nigeria and further positions the country as an active contributor to global anti-fraud leadership and cooperation.
