This in-depth resource provides a complete list of governors of Niger State, Nigeria which Include the past, and current governors. It details the terms of each governor, from the state’s establishment in 1976 to the present day.
The guide traces the changes between military and civilian rule to discuss the first individuals to hold office under each regime. Also, it introduces the current governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who assumed office in May 2023.
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Nasarawa State (1996-Present)
Complete List Of Past And Current Governors Of Niger State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Murtala Nyako | February 1976 | December 1977 | Military |
Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe | December 1977 | July 1978 | (Military) |
Colonel Joseph Oni | July 1978 | October 1979 | Military |
Malam Awwal Ibrahim | October 1979 | December 1983 | NPN |
David B. Alechemu Mark | January 1984 | 1986 | Military |
Garba Ali Mohammed | 1986 | December 1987 | Military |
Lawan Gwadabe | December 1987 | January 1992 | Military |
Musa Inuwa | January 1992 | November 1993 | NRC |
Cletus Komena Emein | December 9, 1993 | August 22, 1996 | Military |
Simeon Oduoye | August 22, 1996 | August 1998 | Military |
Habibu Idris Shuaibu | August 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Abdulkadir Kure | May 29, 1999 | May 29, 2007 | PDP |
Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu | May 29, 2007 | May 29, 2015 | PDP |
Abubakar Sani Bello | May 29, 2015 | May 29, 2023 | APC |
Mohammed Umar Bago | May 29, 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
Who Was The First Military Governor Of Niger State?
The first military governor of Niger State was Murtala Nyako, been In the office from February 1976 to December 1977. Nyako was not only a governor but also a military officer.
He was born on August 27, 1942, in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Nyako had a successful career in the Nigerian Navy, where he rose to the rank of Vice Admiral before becoming a governor.
During his time as governor, Nyako’s leadership contributed to the early development and governance of the state during its formative years.
After serving as the military governor of Niger State, Nyako continued his career in the Nigerian Navy and later moved into politics. He became the governor of Adamawa State, serving from 2007 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2014.
However, his tenure as governor of Adamawa State was marred by controversies, including allegations of financial misconduct, which eventually led to his impeachment in July 2014.
Despite facing legal challenges and corruption allegations, Nyako received several accolades throughout his career. He was awarded honorary Doctorate Degrees and received national awards for his contributions to agriculture and public service.
Who Was The First Civilian Governor Of Niger State?
The first civilian governor of Niger State was Alhaji Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim, who served from October 1979 to December 1983 during the Nigerian Second Republic.
Ibrahim was born on September 8, 1941, in Abuja, which is now known as Suleja. He attended Provincial Secondary School in Bida from 1956 to 1961 and later studied at the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.
After completing his education, Ibrahim became a lecturer of languages at Ahmadu Bello University in 1967. He had various administrative positions within the university and later transferred to the civil service when Niger State was created in 1976.
Ibrahim was the acting Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and later became the Permanent Secretary for Local Government.
In 1979, Ibrahim left the civil service to contest as a candidate for Governor of Niger State under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
He won the primary election and went on to become the first elected governor of Niger State. However, his tenure was cut short by a military coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power in 1983.
A military tribunal set up by the Buhari government convicted Ibrahim of abuse of power and corruption in 1984. Then he was subsequently barred for life from holding public office or participating in partisan politics.
Despite this setback, Ibrahim later became the Emir of Suleja in 1993. However, he was displaced by General Sani Abacha in 1994.
After the return to democracy, Ibrahim was restored to his title of Emir of Suleja on January 17, 2000. This led to violent clashes, provoking the government to impose a curfew.
Ibrahim received recognition for his contributions, including being awarded the title of Commander of the Niger in September 2001. He also chaired the Niger State government’s Committee on Reformation of Almajirci in 2010.
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Plateau State (1976-Present)
Who Is The Current Governor Of Niger State?
The current governor of Niger State is Mohammed Umaru Bago. He assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding Abubakar Sani Bello.
Bago, born on February 22, 1974, in Minna, Niger State, is a Nigerian banker and politician, belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
His political career began when he served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Chanchaga Federal Constituency from June 6, 2011, until May 29, 2023.
He emerged as the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Niger State, defeating Isah Liman Kantigi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Bago has been active in advocating for good governance and accountability.
He contested for the Speakership position of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, where he came second to Femi Gbajabiamila in the 9th National Assembly.
Bago’s victory in the APC gubernatorial primary elections in Niger State paved the way for his successful bid in the 2023 gubernatorial election, where he secured 469,896 votes, emerging as the winner.
In his early life and education, Bago attended Marafa Primary School in Minna and later Federal Government College, Jos, where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate from WAEC.
He furthered his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
Also, Bago pursued several postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in economics from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Calabar. He is also an alumnus of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
Before his political career, Bago worked in different notable banks such as the United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and Afri-Bank PLC. He held managerial positions during his tenure at First City Monument Bank.