Zainab Ahmed

**Zainab Ahmed** (born 16 June 1960), officially known as Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, CON, is a distinguished Nigerian politician and certified accountant. She is recognized for her significant contributions to Nigeria's public financial management, most notably for serving as the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning from 2019 to 2023.Early Life and Education Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed was born on June 16, 1960. She is an alumna of the esteemed Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Demonstrating a commitment to professional development, she furthered her education by acquiring a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Professionally, Ahmed holds fellowship status with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and maintains affiliations with both the Nigerian Institute of Taxation and the Nigerian Institute of Management.Career Progression and Major Achievements Ahmed's career spans both the private sector and significant roles within the Nigerian Federal Government. She is an accountant by profession. Her political career is associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her ministerial journey under President Muhammadu Buhari included several key appointments: * **Minister of State for Budget and National Planning (2015–2018):** She served in this capacity from November 11, 2015, until September 14, 2018, working alongside Minister Udoma Udo Udoma. * **Minister of Finance (Interim, 2018–2019):** Upon the resignation of the previous minister, Kemi Adeosun, Ahmed was appointed as the Minister of Finance on September 14, 2018. * **Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning (2019–2023):** In 2019, President Buhari merged the two ministries, appointing Ahmed as the Minister of the Economy (Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning) on August 21, 2019. She held this consolidated portfolio until the end of the administration on May 29, 2023.During her tenure, Ahmed oversaw the implementation of critical national budgets and financial policies, navigating Nigeria’s economy through global challenges. Her efforts in managing the nation's fiscal and budgetary affairs marked her as one of the most influential economic figures in the administration.Current Status Following the conclusion of her tenure as a minister in May 2023, Zainab Ahmed is an ex-Minister. She continues to be recognized for her political and accounting expertise, holding the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). She resides in Kaduna, Nigeria, and maintains a public presence, including on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @ZShamsuna.