Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Biography
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is a prominent Nigerian politician born on February 16, 1960, in Daudawa, Katsina State.
He has held several significant positions in the Nigerian government, including Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.
Before that, he was the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003.
El-Rufai has a strong educational background with degrees from prestigious institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, the University of London, and Harvard University.
He is also a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but resigned from the party in 2025 and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In addition to his political career, El-Rufai is involved in philanthropy through the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF), which he co-runs with his first wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai.
The foundation promotes creative writing and literacy among young people in Northern Nigeria.
Quick Facts about Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
- Full Name: Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
- Date of Birth: February 16, 1960
- Place of Birth: Daudawa, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Katsina State, Nigeria)
- Education:
- Barewa College
- Ahmadu Bello University (Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, MBA)
- Harvard University (Master’s degree in Public Administration)
- University of London (Law degree)
- Georgetown University (Programs on privatization and leadership)
- Political Career:
- Governor of Kaduna State (2015-2023)
- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003-2007)
- Director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises
- Political Affiliations:
- Social Democratic Party (2025–present)
- All Progressives Congress (2013-2025)
- Congress for Progressive Change (2011–2013)
- People’s Democratic Party (until 2009)
- Personal Life:
- Married to Hadiza Isma, Asia Ahmad, and Aisha Ummi Garba
- Father of 8 children, including Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Ahmed El-Rufai, Hamza El-Rufai, Yasmin El-Rufai, Bilkisu El-Rufai, and Mustapha El-Rufai
- Professional Career:
- Founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying consulting firm, in 1982.
- Philanthropy: Co-runs the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF) with his first wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai
- Honours and Awards: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree from the University of Abuja, Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management from Harvard University
Look at the video of Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai discussing his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Early Life and Education:
- Early Life:
Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was born on February 16, 1960, in Daudawa, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria
His father raised him until his death when Nasir was eight years old. Following his father’s death, he moved to Kaduna State to live with an uncle who sponsored his education.
- Education:
El-Rufai attended Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1976, winning the Barewa Old Boys’ Association Academic Achievement Trophy
He then pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he received a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying with first-class honors.
In 1984, he received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University.
El-Rufai also attended several professional and post-graduate programs, including the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, University of London, and Harvard University.
In August 2008, he received a law degree from the University of London. In June 2009, he obtained a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
El-Rufai’s educational journey reflects his commitment to academic excellence and continuous learning, which has significantly contributed to his public service and political career.
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Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Professional Career:
- Early Career:
In 1982, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying consulting firm.
The firm, which he managed until 1998, received building and civil engineering contracts during the military juntas of 1983–1998, including the construction of Abuja.
This made the partners “young millionaires”.
- Public Service:
El-Rufai served as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Secretary of the National Council on Privatization from 1999 to 2003.
In these roles, he played a significant part in the privatization and reform of public enterprises in Nigeria.
- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT):
From 2003 to 2007, El-Rufai served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During his tenure, he implemented several reforms and development projects in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
- Governor of Kaduna State:
El-Rufai was elected as the Governor of Kaduna State in 2015 and served until 2023.
As governor, he focused on various developmental projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He is known for his fearless and sometimes controversial decisions.
- Political Involvement:
El-Rufai is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria.
He has been actively involved in Nigerian politics and has held various significant positions throughout his career.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Post-Governorship:
After serving as the Governor of Kaduna State until 2023, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai continued to be active in Nigerian politics.
In 2025, he made a significant political move by resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai cited concerns about the direction of the APC and his desire to pursue progressive values as reasons for his defection.
El-Rufai has expressed his commitment to engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join the SDP and create a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in future elections.
His post-governorship activities reflect his ongoing dedication to political reform and his influence in Nigerian politics.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Controversies and Public Image:
- Controversies:
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, and his career has not been without controversies.
Some of the notable controversies include:
- Demolition of Illegal Structures:
During his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), El-Rufai was known for his ruthless demolition exercise that saw thousands of illegal structures removed in Abuja.
While this move was aimed at restoring the city’s original master plan, it drew significant criticism from those affected.
- Political Feuds:
El-Rufai has had several political feuds with other prominent figures.
For instance, his relationship with his successor as Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has been marked by tension and public disagreements.
- Defection from APC to SDP:
In 2025, El-Rufai resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He cited irreconcilable differences with the current leadership of the APC and expressed disappointment with the party’s trajectory.
This move has sparked discussions and speculations about his future political plans.
- Public Image:
El-Rufai’s public image is a mix of admiration and criticism.
He is often seen as a fearless and results-oriented leader who is not afraid to make tough decisions.
His tenure as Governor of Kaduna State was marked by significant development projects, including investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
However, his confrontational style and controversial decisions have also earned him critics.
Despite this, El-Rufai remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics, known for his pragmatic approach and commitment to progressive values.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Personal Life:
- Family:
Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is married to three wives: Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, Assia El-Rufai, and Ummi El-Rufai.
He is blessed with five children: Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Ahmed El-Rufai, Hamza El-Rufai, Yasmin El-Rufai, Bilkisu El-Rufai, and Mustapha El-Rufai
El-Rufai and his first wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, run the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF), which was established in honor of their daughter, Yasmin, who passed away in 2011.
- Philanthropy:
The Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF) focuses on promoting creative writing and literacy among young people in Northern Nigeria.
The foundation aims to empower young individuals through education and creative expression.
- Interests and Hobbies:
El-Rufai is known for his love of reading and continuous learning.
He has attended several professional and post-graduate programs, including those at Georgetown University, the University of London, and Harvard University.
- Public Image:
El-Rufai is often seen as a fearless and results-oriented leader.
His public image is a mix of admiration and criticism due to his confrontational style and controversial decisions.
Despite this, he remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Honours and Awards:
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has received several honours and awards throughout his career in recognition of his contributions to public service and governance.
Some of the notable honours and awards include:
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR):
In October 2001, El-Rufai was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria while serving as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Secretary of the National Council of Privatisation.
- D.Sc (honoris causa):
In 2005, he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree by the University of Abuja, Nigeria, in recognition of his contributions to public service and governance.
- Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management:
El-Rufai received the Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, having spent 11 months as an Edward A. Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management from July 2008 to June 2009.
These honours and awards reflect El-Rufai’s dedication to public service and his impact on governance in Nigeria.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Net Worth
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s estimated net worth is $400 million.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s Legacy:
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to public service, governance, and political reform in Nigeria.
El-Rufai’s legacy is a blend of significant achievements and controversial decisions, reflecting his fearless and pragmatic approach to governance and political reform.
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Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s social media handles
- Twitter (X): @elrufai
- Facebook: @nasirelrufai
- Instagram: @nelrufai
You can follow him on these platforms to stay updated with his latest activities and posts
FAQs
1. Who Is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai?
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is a Nigerian politician and former governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023).
Born in 1960, he first gained prominence as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), where he implemented major urban reforms in Abuja.
A founding member of the APC, he is known for his focus on infrastructural development, education reform, and governance.
He has degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, the University of London, and Harvard.
His leadership style is bold and often controversial, making him a significant figure in Nigerian politics.
2. When and where was Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai born?
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was born on February 16, 1960, in Daudawa, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria.
3. What is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s educational background?
El-Rufai attended Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna State, and graduated at the top of his class in 1976.
He then pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he received a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying with first-class honors.
He also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University in 1984.
Additionally, he attended several professional and post-graduate programs, including the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, University of London, and Harvard University.
4. What roles has Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai held in public service?
El-Rufai served as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from 1999 to 2003, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007, and the Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
5. What political party is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai affiliated with?
As of 2025, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He was previously a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
6. What philanthropic activities is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai involved in?
El-Rufai co-runs the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF) with his first wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai.
The foundation focuses on promoting creative writing and literacy among young people in Northern Nigeria.
7. What are some of the honours and awards received by Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai?
El-Rufai has received several honours and awards, including the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree from the University of Abuja.
He also received the Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management from Harvard University.
In Conclusion
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is a distinguished Nigerian politician, administrator, and public servant with a strong background in governance, urban planning, and economic policy.
From his early career in quantity surveying to his transformative role as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and later as the Governor of Kaduna State, he has been known for bold and sometimes controversial reforms.
His leadership style is characterized by efficiency, discipline, and a commitment to infrastructural and economic development.
Despite facing criticisms, El-Rufai remains a key figure in Nigerian politics, with a legacy of policy-driven governance and public sector reform.
