In the tapestry of Nigeria's political history, certain figures stand out not just for their positions, but for their bold leadership, deep intellect, and transformative impact on governance. Among the illustrious sons of Northern Nigeria who have served the nation with distinction, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai's name shines brightly. His legacy spans a range of critical roles that have helped shape Nigeria’s modern socio-political landscape, earning him a place among the finest public servants the North has ever produced. From his game-changing tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to his trailblazing reforms as Governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai has consistently demonstrated an unyielding commitment to Nigeria's development. As the nation looks forward to a new era, it is time for the North to rally behind him and recognize him as a leader with the capacity to elevate the region and the country to new heights.
Transforming the Capital: El-Rufai’s Bold Achievements as FCT Minister
When Nasir El-Rufai was appointed as the Minister of the FCT in 2003, Abuja was a city in chaos, with rampant illegal land allocations, unregulated developments, and a deteriorating infrastructure. It was a capital city that was not living up to the vision of being the face of Nigeria. Recognizing this, El-Rufai embarked on an ambitious urban renewal project to restore Abuja's original master plan and transform it into a befitting modern capital.
His decision to demolish illegal structures, even in the face of stiff resistance, was not simply a matter of compliance but a visionary move aimed at safeguarding Abuja's future. He oversaw the demolition of thousands of illegal buildings, slums, and markets that obstructed roads and public facilities. This tough but necessary policy improved the aesthetics of the city, reduced crime, and improved the living conditions of many residents. More than 100,000 housing units were built in resettlement sites to accommodate displaced residents, ensuring a humane approach to urban renewal.
In terms of infrastructure, El-Rufai's administration extended the city’s road networks, built new bridges, and revamped existing infrastructure. One of his remarkable initiatives was the construction of ring roads around Abuja, which decongested traffic and connected different parts of the city, opening up opportunities for new residential and commercial development.
El-Rufai’s reforms in land administration revolutionized the FCT's governance. He launched the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), a digital land registry that drastically reduced corruption and bureaucracy in land transactions. This innovation marked Abuja as one of the first cities in Africa to adopt a computer-based system for land management, making it a model for other states to emulate. The improvements in land allocation and registration processes increased revenue for the FCT and made Abuja one of the most orderly capitals on the continent.
Kaduna State: A Blueprint for Development and Reform
El-Rufai’s achievements did not end in Abuja; they continued when he was elected Governor of Kaduna State in 2015. Kaduna, a microcosm of Nigeria with its diversity of ethnic and religious groups, presented a more complex governance challenge. El-Rufai’s approach was clear from the outset: he sought to bring reforms that would create a foundation for sustainable development across the state’s key sectors—education, health, infrastructure, and security.
One of his boldest decisions was in the education sector. In a state where poor teacher quality had long plagued the public school system, El-Rufai took the unprecedented step of sacking over 21,000 teachers who failed basic competency tests. This action drew backlash from labor unions and political opponents, but El-Rufai remained resolute. He understood that without competent educators, the state's children would continue to receive substandard education. His administration recruited thousands of qualified teachers, revamped teacher training, and renovated over 4,000 public schools across the state. His commitment to educational reform extended to implementing free basic education for girls in public schools, a move aimed at empowering women and reducing the gender gap in education.
El-Rufai's strides in healthcare are equally commendable. Under his leadership, Kaduna State witnessed the largest-ever expansion in healthcare infrastructure, with hundreds of primary healthcare centers built or renovated across local government areas. He established the Kaduna State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme to provide affordable healthcare to residents, demonstrating a proactive approach to healthcare delivery that many states have since sought to replicate.
In terms of infrastructure, El-Rufai’s urban renewal projects in Kaduna were transformative. His administration invested heavily in the construction of new roads, flyovers, and bridges, significantly enhancing the state's transportation network. The upgrade of key highways, roads within Kaduna metropolis, and rural link roads ensured that all parts of the state had improved access to markets and social services, stimulating economic activity. The Kawo flyover, which became a landmark development, symbolized his administration's commitment to modernizing the state’s urban landscape.
On security, El-Rufai’s administration did not shy away from taking difficult stances to tackle insecurity. He backed military operations against bandits and cattle rustlers, supported the establishment of joint security patrols, and provided resources for equipping security forces. He was also an advocate of state police as a long-term solution to addressing security challenges at the local level, a stance that has resonated across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Best of Northern Brains: Standing Among the Region's Greats
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s achievements and the intellectual depth he brings to public service place him in the ranks of Northern Nigeria's great statesmen. In the pantheon of notable Northern leaders, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Mallam Aminu Kano, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and General Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai emerges as one of the most cerebral and effective. His education—a first-class degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, followed by advanced studies at Harvard and Georgetown—combined with his practical governance experience, has shaped him into a leader who combines deep knowledge with practical solutions.
Unlike many politicians, El-Rufai has consistently demonstrated a readiness to back his decisions with intellectual rigor. His policy papers, books, and speeches provide a roadmap for reforms that transcend populist rhetoric. He has been a strong advocate for fiscal discipline, transparency in governance, and privatization as tools for sustainable development. His time as a member of the Economic Management Team during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration attests to his economic management skills, where his contributions helped drive significant economic reforms.
El-Rufai’s pragmatism and his adherence to the principles of equity and justice also mark him out as a politician with a moral compass. Like Mallam Aminu Kano, who advocated for social justice, El-Rufai has shown that his decisions are often guided by the need to do what is right, even if unpopular. His stance on political restructuring and resource control, calling for the devolution of more powers to the states, has endeared him to progressives across the country.
Why the North Should Rally Behind El-Rufai
As Northern Nigeria faces numerous socio-economic challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and educational backwardness, there is an urgent need for leaders with the vision, experience, and courage to chart a new course. Nasir El-Rufai embodies these qualities. His track record as a reformer and his willingness to confront deeply rooted issues in society make him the kind of leader the North needs at this time. His intellectual approach to problem-solving and his record of implementing bold policies demonstrate that he has what it takes to lead the region and the country effectively.
El-Rufai’s extensive experience in governance provides him with a unique understanding of Nigeria's complexities, both at the federal and state levels. He has been a bridge-builder in resolving national conflicts and has consistently spoken about the need for meritocracy in appointments, calling for the North to prioritize competence over ethnicity in choosing its leaders. By rallying behind El-Rufai, the North would not only be supporting one of its most capable sons but also positioning itself for a future where leadership is synonymous with development, justice, and progress.
His transformative approach to leadership, where he prioritizes results and the greater good over political expediency, distinguishes him as a leader who can inspire a new generation. His life’s work demonstrates a consistent pattern of embracing reform, even when it demands tough choices. El-Rufai's vision for a prosperous, united Nigeria where every citizen has a fair chance is a vision that resonates beyond the North and cuts across the nation.
A Call for Northern Unity and Support
In this crucial time for Nigeria, the North must recognize the value of rallying behind a leader who has both the intellectual capacity and practical experience to drive the region forward. Nasir El-Rufai’s contributions to the FCT, Kaduna State, and his role in national politics illustrate that he is a leader with the capacity to solve Nigeria’s toughest problems. With his vast experience, El-Rufai is not just the North's most experienced politician; he is also one of Nigeria’s brightest minds ever to serve in public office.
His tenure as a public servant has left behind a legacy of development, reform, and a roadmap for sustainable governance. The North should unite in support of a leader who is not only a product of its soil but also a shining example of what disciplined, strategic, and courageous leadership can achieve. It is time for Northern Nigeria to put aside political differences and support Nasir El-Rufai as a beacon of hope for a more equitable, just, and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
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