Nasir El-Rufai

Early Life and Background

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was born on February 16, 1960, in Daudawa, a village in the Faskari Local Government Area of what was then the Northern Region of Nigeria, now part of Katsina State. His father died when he was just eight years old, and he was subsequently raised by his uncle in Kaduna. This early experience instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and independence. His family background is of Fulani ethnicity, and he grew up in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment that shaped his worldview. He received his early education in Kaduna, attending primary and secondary schools where he demonstrated exceptional academic promise, consistently excelling in his studies.

Education

El-Rufai's educational journey is extensive and highly distinguished. He attended Barewa College in Zaria, a prestigious institution known for producing many of Nigeria's leaders, from 1971 to 1976, graduating at the top of his class. He then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, also in Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying with First Class Honors in 1980. His academic pursuits did not end there; he later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University in 1985. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and global perspectives, El-Rufai furthered his education abroad. He attended the Harvard Business School, where he completed an executive program. He also earned a Law degree from the University of London and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2009. Additionally, he completed an executive education program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., focusing on leadership and good governance.

Career

El-Rufai's career commenced in the private sector, where he established his own quantity surveying and project management consulting firm, El-Rufai & Partners, in 1982. The firm quickly became successful, securing significant contracts and establishing his reputation as a competent professional. His foray into public service began with an appointment as an economic advisor during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, though he quickly fell out of favor and went into exile.

His most impactful public service roles began with the return to democratic rule in 1999. President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in November 1999. In this role, he spearheaded Nigeria's ambitious privatization program, overseeing the sale of numerous state-owned enterprises, including hotels, banks, and manufacturing firms. His tenure at BPE was characterized by a push for transparency and efficiency, earning him both praise for economic reforms and criticism for the pace and perceived implications of some privatizations.

In July 2003, President Obasanjo appointed El-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This position brought him national prominence. As FCT Minister, he embarked on a radical urban renewal and master plan restoration project. He rigorously enforced the Abuja master plan, leading to the demolition of thousands of illegal structures built on undeveloped plots, green areas, and utility lines. These actions, while highly controversial and causing significant displacement, were lauded by supporters as necessary to restore the city's original design and curb corruption in land allocation. He also implemented reforms in land administration, introducing a computerized land registry system to enhance transparency and reduce corruption.

After leaving ministerial office in 2007, El-Rufai became a vocal critic of subsequent administrations and a prominent figure within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). He contested and won the gubernatorial election of Kaduna State in 2015, becoming the 18th Governor of the state. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019, serving until May 29, 2023. As Governor, his administration focused on several key areas: education reform (including a controversial teacher competency test that led to the dismissal of thousands of unqualified teachers), civil service reform, infrastructure development, and enhancing internally generated revenue. He also confronted significant security challenges, particularly banditry and communal clashes, in parts of the state.

Major Achievements

During his tenure as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Nasir El-Rufai successfully implemented a comprehensive privatization program, divesting over 100 public enterprises and generating significant revenue for the government. As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he meticulously enforced the Abuja Master Plan, reclaiming thousands of illegally acquired land parcels and demolishing structures that violated urban planning regulations, thereby restoring the aesthetic and functional integrity of the capital city. His administration also introduced a groundbreaking computerised land registration system, the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), which significantly reduced corruption and increased efficiency in land administration. As Governor of Kaduna State, he initiated extensive reforms in the education sector, including the controversial but ultimately successful recruitment of 25,000 qualified primary school teachers after dismissing unqualified ones. He also oversaw significant infrastructure development, including road construction and urban renewal projects across the state, and implemented reforms in the civil service to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of governance. His government also made strides in increasing the state's internally generated revenue.

Personal Life

Nasir El-Rufai is married and has several children. His wives include Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, and Ummi El-Rufai. Hadiza Isma El-Rufai is a novelist and architect, known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for education and women's empowerment. The El-Rufai family has experienced personal tragedies, including the loss of a son, Hamza El-Rufai, in a car accident in 2014. Despite his demanding public life, El-Rufai maintains a strong commitment to his family and is known to be a voracious reader and intellectual. He is also a devout Muslim.

Legacy

Nasir El-Rufai's legacy is multifaceted and complex. He is widely regarded as a technocrat and a reformer, known for his relentless pursuit of efficiency, transparency, and adherence to rules, often at the expense of political popularity. As FCT Minister, he transformed Abuja into a more organized and functional capital, albeit through methods that caused considerable social dislocation. As Governor of Kaduna State, he left a mark with his bold educational and civil service reforms, which, while controversial, aimed to lay a stronger foundation for the state's future development. His supporters view him as a visionary leader committed to good governance and progress, willing to make tough decisions. Critics, however, often point to his authoritarian tendencies, the social impact of his demolitions, and his handling of security challenges and ethno-religious tensions in Kaduna State. He remains a significant and influential figure in Nigerian politics, representing a brand of leadership characterized by intellectual rigor, strong convictions, and a sometimes uncompromising approach to governance.