Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
Name: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
Birthdate: 16 February 1960
Birthplace: Daudawa, Faskari LGA, Katsina State, Nigeria
Occupation: Politician, Public Administrator, Quantity Surveyor
Early Life and Education
Nasir El-Rufai was born into a Fulani family in Daudawa, Katsina State. After losing his father at the age of eight, he was raised by an uncle in Kaduna. He attended Barewa College, graduating at the top of his class in 1976. He then earned a first-class degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. El-Rufai furthered his education with an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University in 1984, a law degree from the University of London in 2008, and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School in 2009.
Professional and Political Journey
In 1982, El-Rufai co-founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying firm that secured significant contracts during Abuja's development. He also held management roles at AT&T Network Systems International BV and Motorola Inc.
His political career began in 1998 as an economic adviser under General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Under President Obasanjo, he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms, including the establishment of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).
El-Rufai's political affiliations have included the PDP, CPC, APC, and the SDP. He was elected Governor of Kaduna State in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, focusing on reforms in education, infrastructure, and public service.
Family Life
El-Rufai is married to three wives: Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, an architect and novelist; Asia Ahmad, a lawyer; and Ummi Garba, an interior decorator. He has several children, including Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the Federal House of Representatives. Tragically, his daughter Yasmin passed away in 2011, leading to the establishment of the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF) in her memory.
Recognition
Despite controversies, El-Rufai has received several accolades, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022 and the LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year award.
