Sadiya Umar Farouq

Sadiya Umar Farouq: Nigerian Politician and Humanitarian Administrator Sadiya Umar Farouq is a prominent Nigerian politician and humanitarian administrator, best known for serving as the Federal Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2019 to 2023. She holds the distinction of being the first minister to oversee this newly created ministry, which consolidated government efforts in social safety nets, disaster response, and intervention programs. Early Life and Education Sadiya Umar Farouq was born on November 5, 1974, in Zurmi, Zamfara State, Nigeria. She began her formal education at the Federal Government Girls' College, Gusau, Zamfara State. She proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance. Later, she obtained a Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same institution. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA, reflecting her strong background in strategic and public policy management. Career Progression Prior to her ministerial appointment, Farouq built a substantial career in public service and humanitarian coordination. She served as the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) from 2016 to 2019. In this role, she was instrumental in developing policies for managing displaced populations and coordinating relief efforts across Nigeria. Ministerial Role and Major Achievements In August 2019, Sadiya Umar Farouq was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. This appointment tasked her with overseeing the implementation of the Federal Government’s intervention programs, including the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs), aimed at poverty alleviation and social inclusion. Key achievements during her tenure include the expansion of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which provided daily meals to millions of primary school children, and the conditional cash transfer program (CCT) designed to support the poorest and most vulnerable households. She also played a critical role in coordinating the national response to various humanitarian crises, particularly the displacement caused by insurgency in the North East and natural disasters such as flooding. Her ministry was central to the government’s efforts to provide economic palliatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Status Following the end of President Buhari's administration in May 2023, Sadiya Umar Farouq concluded her term as the Federal Minister. Since leaving office, she remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics and humanitarian circles. She is currently focused on private endeavors and humanitarian advocacy, leveraging her experience in managing large-scale social programs and disaster response.