Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, is a distinguished Nigerian public servant, banker, and chartered accountant, currently representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly. He chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions and leads the Southern Senators’ Forum. In the 9th Assembly, he chaired the Senate Committee on Industries. His work as a Senator is anchored on three pillars: Legislative, Empowerment, and Endowment.
Legislative Pillar:
Senator Abiru focuses on enacting impactful laws to promote good governance and socio-economic development. His legislative efforts prioritize effective representation for Lagos East and Nigeria at large. He has sponsored several bills and motions that address national issues, focusing on improving the quality of life for his constituents.
Empowerment Pillar:
Through his empowerment initiatives, Senator Abiru has facilitated major infrastructure and socio-economic projects aimed at providing essential services and job opportunities for his people. These projects are designed to address immediate needs while ensuring sustainable long-term development.
Endowment Pillar:
Senator Abiru’s passion for human capital development is reflected in his SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which uplifts underserved communities. The foundation’s flagship program, the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, Lagos, empowers youth through technology and innovation, offering world-class training managed by Co-Creation Hub.
Career in Banking and Public Service:
Before his public service, Senator Abiru spent over 32 years in banking, including as Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, where he led the turnaround of Skye Bank. He also held leadership roles at First Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank. He served as Lagos State Commissioner of Finance (2011–2013), managing the state’s finances under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Education and Accolades:
Abiru holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Lagos State University and is a Fellow of ICAN and an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Political Journey:
After retiring from banking in 2020, he won the Lagos East Senatorial by-election, earning 89% of the vote. Senator Abiru is married to Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, and they are blessed with children.