Nasir El-Rufai

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (born February 16, 1960) is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. Prior to his governorship, he held prominent federal positions, including Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he gained national recognition for his administrative reforms and controversial urban planning initiatives.Early Life and Education Nasir El-Rufai was born in Faskari, Katsina State (then part of the Northern Region of Nigeria). He is of Fulani descent and grew up under the care of an uncle in Kaduna after the passing of his father at a young age. His educational journey began at the Demonstration School in Zaria, and he later attended Barewa College, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1976. El-Rufai earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying with First Class Honours from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980. He furthered his education abroad, obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University and later a law degree from the University of London. He also acquired a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he was a Mason Fellow.Career Progression and Major Achievements El-Rufai's professional career began in the private sector. In 1982, he founded El-Rufai and Partners, a quantity surveying and project management consultancy firm, which quickly grew into a successful enterprise. His transition to public service began during the administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. **Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) (1999–2003):** El-Rufai was appointed the Director General of the BPE and Secretary of the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. During this period, he oversaw the privatization and commercialization of numerous underperforming government-owned companies. His tenure was characterized by a push for transparency and efficiency, earning him a reputation as an anti-corruption crusader, although the privatization process itself drew both praise and criticism. **Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) (2003–2007):** As FCT Minister, El-Rufai became one of the most visible members of the Obasanjo administration. He initiated comprehensive and often radical reforms of Abuja's master plan, aimed at restoring the city's original design. These initiatives involved the demolition of thousands of illegal structures, including residential and commercial buildings, resulting in significant changes to the city's landscape. His actions were frequently challenged but were largely upheld as necessary to curb corruption and adherence to urban planning regulations. **Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023):** El-Rufai was elected Governor of Kaduna State in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secured re-election in 2019. His administration focused on extensive reforms across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public sector efficiency. Major achievements during his governorship include: * **Education Reform:** Implementing a controversial but widespread teacher competency test that led to the dismissal and replacement of thousands of unqualified primary school teachers. * **Infrastructure:** Significant investments in urban renewal projects across Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan. * **Public Service:** Introducing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and biometric verification to reduce ghost workers, drastically cutting down the state’s wage bill. * **Taxation:** Enhancing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through aggressive revenue collection efforts.Notable Works El-Rufai is also an author. His most significant literary contribution is his memoir, *The Accidental Public Servant* (2013). The book provides an extensive, often candid, account of his public service years, particularly his time at the BPE and FCT, offering critical insights into the workings of the Nigerian government and the challenges of implementing reform.Current Status Following the completion of his second term as Governor of Kaduna State in May 2023, Nasir El-Rufai continues to be an influential figure in Nigerian politics and a prominent member of the ruling APC. He remains an active voice on national governance, security, and economic matters, contributing to public discourse through commentary and strategic political consultation.