Babangida Aliyu

Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (born November 12, 1955) is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Niger State from 2007 to 2015. He is also known by the traditional title of Talban Minna.Early Life and Education Babangida Aliyu was born in Minna, Niger State. He received his early education in Niger State before proceeding to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He later obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. His academic background in education and public administration laid the foundation for his subsequent career in civil service and politics.Career Progression Aliyu began his career as a teacher, transitioning into the civil service where he held several key administrative and bureaucratic positions at the federal level. Before entering politics, he served in various capacities, including Federal Permanent Secretary for several ministries, such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Ministry of Defense. His long and distinguished career in the federal civil service provided him with extensive experience in governance and public policy.Gubernatorial Tenure and Major Achievements In 2007, Babangida Aliyu contested and won the gubernatorial election of Niger State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was re-elected for a second term in 2011, serving until 2015. During his two terms as Governor, Aliyu focused on several developmental initiatives encapsulated in his administration's "Restoration Agenda." Key areas of focus included education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and agriculture. His administration oversaw the construction of numerous primary and secondary schools, hospitals, and rural roads across the state. A notable initiative was the emphasis on civil service reform and capacity building within the state government.Political and Notable Works Politically, Babangida Aliyu was a prominent figure within the PDP and served as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) for a period. In this role, he played a crucial part in coordinating the political and developmental interests of the nineteen Northern Nigerian states. His leadership in the NSGF often positioned him as a key voice in national discourse on issues ranging from security to resource allocation. His tenure as Governor and his role in the NSGF solidified his status as a major political leader in Northern Nigeria.Current Status Since leaving office as Governor in 2015, Babangida Aliyu has remained an influential voice in Nigerian politics, offering commentary and participation in national and party affairs. He continues to be recognized for his contributions to Niger State and the Northern region.