Ibrahim Abdullahi’s career, a shining example of excellence for Nigerian youths

By Halima Gimba

Ibrahim A. Abdullahi, a commercial lawyer with multifaceted advisory experience, is shaping the economic landscape of Nasarawa State through his leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), the state’s one stop shop for doing business.

Abdullahi, who was born in Abuja in May 1990 and a native of Uke in Karu Local Government Area, has been instrumental in driving significant reforms aimed at boosting the state’s investment climate. His efforts have not only attracted substantial investments but have also helped in the establishment of public-private partnerships (PPPs) that promise to transform key sectors of the state’s economy.

Abdullahi holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Reading and was called to the Nigerian Bar. His public sector career began in 2019 when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Nasarawa State, a role he quickly rose from to become Special Advisor by the end of the year. In 2021, he was appointed pioneer CEO of NASIDA, where he assumed responsibility for overseeing investment initiatives and creating an environment conducive to economic growth.

Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NASIDA has spearheaded the delivery and implementation of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy, which emphasizes private-sector participation in driving the state’s economic growth. He has also been at the forefront of several key reforms, including the Nasarawa Ease of Doing Business initiative, aimed at improving the state’s regulatory framework. These efforts have positioned Nasarawa as one of Nigeria’s top investment destinations, with the state attracting over $500 million in investments from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, Abdullahi established the Nasarawa Infrastructure Fund, which allocates a percentage of the state’s internally generated revenue to enhance its infrastructure.

Abdullahi’s work has extended beyond government reforms. As part of his strategic approach, he spearheaded the creation of the Nasarawa Agricultural Commodity Company, a project that aims to develop agricultural value chains for key crops such as rice and ginger. He also led the establishment of the Nasarawa Technology Village, an innovative hub integrating housing and ICT infrastructure, and facilitated the Nasarawa Integrated Transport Project, which aims to modernize the state’s transport system through public-private partnerships. These projects have been vital in positioning Nasarawa as a growing hub for economic development and innovation.

Before venturing into the public sector, Abdullahi gained extensive private-sector experience, working as a commercial lawyer with firms such as Dikko & Mahmoud (Solicitors & Advocates) and DalaHill Law Practice. He also had a stint at a UK advisory firm, Adams & Moore. His advisory work include significant transactions like the acquisition of land for Dangote Group’s sugarcane project and providing legal counsel for infrastructure projects across West Africa. Abdullahi’s expertise in PPPs and infrastructure financing has been key to his ability to drive economic development initiatives in Nasarawa State.

Abdullahi’s career is not limited to professional achievements within Nigeria. His involvement in global advocacy began at a young age, having served as a delegate for both the UNICEF Global Taskforce on Water and Sanitation and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. He was also selected as a British Council Global Change Maker in 2008, an honor that recognized his potential to impact global change. With a blend of legal, business, and governance experience, Ibrahim A. Abdullahi continues to be a shining example for Nigerian youths and a key figure in Nasarawa State’s development, leveraging his multifaceted background to foster growth and improve the lives of its residents.