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
Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, governor of Nasarawa State, has a rich background in engineering and business leadership. After earning both his BSc and MSc degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Technology from Indiana State University, USA, Sule began his career in Nigeria at Jos Steel Rolling Company, quickly rising to Principal Production Engineer.
On his return to the USA , he went to Texas (san anthonio and later houston) where he worked for the following companies: Lancer corporation, san Anthonio OEM components, Houston Houston engineer, Houston Morgan performance, Houston Dril-Quip incorporated, Houston Osyka corporation, Houston.
He returned to Nigeria in the year 2000 and along with some friends started a company called Sadiq Petroleum Nigeria limited in lagos. He was made the pioneer managing Director/ CEO.
Later in that tear, sadiq petroleum company participated in the privatization of African petroleum plc and won the bid. Upon acquisition of the 30% ownership of AP plc sadiq Petroleum, he was appointed the executive Director operations of AP in November 2000. On April 2, 2001 he was appointed by the board of AP plc as the fourth MD/CEO.
Upon his resignation from AP, he took another job with an American Multinational oil service company called Tetra International in July 2006 as a Director of Business Development / Country Manager.
Sule also held director roles in IMB International Bank, Ulti-Care Pharmaceutical, and Chrismatel Holdings. He chaired AP Oilfield Service Ltd and was a partner in Star – AP Oilfield Services. In 2006, he joined Tetra International as Director of Business Development and Country Manager before leaving to pursue politics.
Before his 2018 gubernatorial run, he was appointed Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc.
