LemFi, the global financial platform dedicated to providing cross-border payments for immigrant communities, announced on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the appointment of economist and policy veteran Dr. Haydar Daudu as Head of Regulatory Affairs and Policy, West Africa.
The announcement was released simultaneously across official media channels in Lagos and London. In his new role, Dr. Daudu will lead regulatory strategy and institutional policy engagement across West African markets, with a immediate priority on strengthening regional operational compliance and stakeholder relations in Nigeria.
Dr. Daudu transitions into the private sector following key advisory posts within the central banking system. He previously served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) and Corporate Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
His public-sector repertoire also includes years as Chief of Staff and Senior Economist at the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation. He holds a PhD in Economics from Nile University of Nigeria, an MSc in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester, and a first-class undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Essex.
Ridwan Olalere, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LemFi stated; “As LemFi continues to expand, we are investing in senior leadership capable of maintaining open dialogue with regulators, navigating complex legal frameworks, and ensuring we deliver higher operational standards.
Haydar brings an ideal blend of macro-economic insight, institutional experience, and deep familiarity with the financial regulatory ecosystem in West Africa.” Dr. Haydar Daudu, Newly Appointed Head of Regulatory Affairs and Policy, West Africa:”Cross-border financial tools carry immense potential to uplift families, small businesses, and broader economies, yet that potential relies entirely on trust, regulatory transparency, and compliance.
My primary objective is to build that bridge: engaging financial authorities constructively, embedding policy rigor into our internal strategy, and driving sustainable growth across West Africa that directly serves consumer needs.” The appointment comes at a crucial moment for West African remittances.
Official figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria show that international money transfer operator (IMTO) inflows rose significantly in recent years, exceeding $4.7 billion. Founded in 2021, LemFi has expanded beyond standard remittance offerings to deliver a full suite of services, including multi-currency bank accounts, global money transfers, local credit-building tools, and eSIM access.
The company currently processes roughly $1 billion in transaction volume monthly, serving over 2 million global users with support from key venture investors including Y Combinator, Highland Europe, and Left Lane Capital.
