Mohammed Umar Bago
Mohammed Umar | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 22, 1974 Minna, Niger State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, banker |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Governor of Niger State since 2023; former representative for Chanchaga Federal Constituency |
Mohammed Umar (born 22 February 1974) is a Nigerian politician and banker who has held the office of governor of Niger State since 29 May 2023.
Originating from a Nupe family in Minna, Niger State, he previously served as the representative for the Chanchaga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In the 2023 Niger State gubernatorial election, Umar defeated Isah Liman Kantigi of the PDP to become governor.
Early life and education
Umar was born in 1974 and completed his primary education at Marafa Primary School, Minna, followed by secondary studies at Federal Government College, Jos, where he obtained his West Africa School Certificate through the WAEC. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
His advanced academic qualifications include a postgraduate diploma in management from the Federal University of Technology Minna (2001), an MBA specializing in economics from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma (2003), and a master's degree in finance from the University of Calabar (2005). Additionally, he is recognized as an esteemed alumnus of Cambridge University, UK (2014).
Career
Umar's professional experience spans roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and Afri-Bank PLC, where he rose to the position of manager at FCMB. He formally embarked on his political journey in 2007.
Political career
During the 9th National Assembly, Umar contested for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, finishing as runner-up to Femi Gbajabiamila. He openly challenged party zoning policies, asserting, "I won't back down, I just want to correct the mistake of the party leaders by opinion of zonings."
As chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, he advocated for the removal of 83 Maritime Commission employees due to irregular recruitment procedures. He also pressed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to adhere strictly to budgetary guidelines and proper implementation methods. In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Umar secured victory in the APC gubernatorial primary for Niger State and subsequently won the general election with 469,896 votes, surpassing Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi who garnered 387,476 votes.
Personal life and philanthropy
Umar is married and has children. His mother, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, died on 1 June 2019.
To aid educational advancement in his constituency, he purchased 1,000 JAMB registration forms for local students. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he distributed relief aid comprising eleven trailer loads of rice to support his community.