Muhammed Badaru

**Muhammed Badaru Abubakar: Nigerian Politician and Businessman** **Early Life and Education** Muhammed Badaru Abubakar (born September 19, 1962) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public servant, and businessman. He was born in Babura, in the present-day Jigawa State, Nigeria. Abubakar began his education in his hometown, attending Babura Central Primary School before proceeding to the Government Secondary School, Suleja. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria. Driven by a passion for business and public finance, he later became a Certified National Accountant (CNA) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). **Career Progression and Business Acumen** Before entering politics, Abubakar built a substantial career in the private sector. He is the founder and chairman of Talamiz Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, logistics, and trading. His entrepreneurial success and experience in managing large-scale operations laid the foundation for his later entry into public service. **Political Career** Abubakar’s political career gained prominence in 2015 when he successfully contested and was elected as the Governor of Jigawa State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He served two consecutive terms, from 2015 to 2023. As governor, his administration focused on infrastructural development, agricultural reforms, improvements in healthcare and education, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the state. Following the completion of his tenure as governor, Abubakar was appointed as the Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, a position he currently holds. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** During his time as Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar’s administration was noted for several key achievements. These include significant strides in agricultural mechanization and irrigation projects, particularly in rice and sesame production, which bolstered the state’s economy. His administration was also recognized for improving fiscal management and transparency, leading to Jigawa State being ranked highly in national transparency and budget performance indices. As the Minister of Defence, he is currently involved in coordinating Nigeria's defense architecture and managing security challenges across the nation. **Current Status** Muhammed Badaru Abubakar is currently serving as the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, focusing on strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and addressing ongoing security issues.