The Nigerian political space has become a very interesting one since the commencement of this fourth republic in 1999, with many commentators express their regret on lack of progress.
One of the major challenges the country is facing has always been the recruitment process for the political leaders at the Federal level and the sub nationals with many of them demonstrating lack of capacity as well as unwillingness to cater to the needs of the people they govern.
There has been a lot of agitation for the more participation of private sector leaders or technocrats in politics, either for elective offices or appointments into political offices due to the perceived failures of the typical professional Nigerian politicians.
Nigeria’s economic setup is largely shaped by its private sector, which accounts for over 80% of GDP and employment.
Private sector leaders are increasingly showing more interest in Nigerian politics, often through partnerships with government, funding initiatives, advocacy for specific policies, appointments into public offices or even actively contesting for elective positions.
This trend points to paradigm shift in Nigerian politics, where technocratic credentials and private sector experience are gaining appeal among voters and party powerbrokers alike.
For these set of politicians, decades spent navigating market volatility, managing enterprises, and driving capital investment have become assets in addressing Nigeria’s fiscal and governance challenges.
This list highlights Nigerian current state governors who came from the private sector, detailing their professional journeys
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is an International Maritime Lawyer, Business Magnate, Public Administrator and Philanthropist
He is the Founder and Chief Executive officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., an indigenous oil and gas company. Before Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., Peter had earlier founded the Peter Mbah Investment Limited, a trading firm which served as the Nigerian representative to International Oil Corporation (IOC) based in Fresno, California, USA. He was the sole agent of IOC in Nigeria.
Peter also founded GILPEL Industries Ltd., a trading company involved in the import and sales of domestic electrical appliances, as well as Focus International Schools, a world-class Primary and Secondary school based in Lagos.
After leaving school, he engaged in commercial training/trading, simultaneously pursuing his academic studies. He studied Law at the University of East London (UEL), in the United Kingdom from where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, in the Upper-Class Division in 2000.
He also sits atop the board and management of Pinnacle Pointers, a real estate and hospitality company. His business and professional track records have taken him through several spheres of activities such as import trade, oil and gas sales and distributions, maritime logistics and public service.
In the area of public service, Peter served as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development under His Excellency, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and as the Chief of Staff to the Governor in 2003, and by virtue of the role, he was Chairman of the Enugu State Tenders’ Board.
