By Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
The Old World does have a few, a minuscule minority, whose vision, leadership, and sheer commitment stand them out to become agents of transformation in the lives of people and destiny of states. Dr. Mansur Mukhtar can be called a few of these in Nigeria, an eminent economist and a public servant devoted to his calling, and his influence across diverse areas has palpably been felt in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. His inordinate love for the country and its people, soldiering along in the population’s welfare, has made him praise and admiration-worthy.
Born on 21st September 1959 in Kano, Dr. Mukhtar’s quest for knowledge found roots in his academic prowess and set him on the path of becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in finance and economics. His travels for education took him through King’s College, Lagos; onward in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a B.Sc. in Economics in 1980.
Upon completion of his first degree, his quest for further knowledge took him to the University of Cambridge in England, where he completed a master’s degree in economics and politics of development in 1983. Dr. Mukhtar later obtained his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Sussex in 1988. These academic laurels set him forth into a very distinguished career in both academia and policy-making.
His first working years were as a lecturer in Bayero University, Kano, where he headed the Department of Economics from 1988 to 1990. This academic involvement was just the entry point into a mixture of consulting and employment opportunities in the world of work with such high-caliber organizations as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the World Bank.
Other critical positions held were with the United Bank for Africa and African Development Bank, where his strategic thinking and technical competence provided guidance for the formulation of far-reaching policies and financial strategies.
A turning point in Dr. Mukhtar’s career was his appointment as Minister of Finance in Nigeria in December 2008. While in cabinet status in the government of President Umaru Yar’Adua until 2010, his focus was on financial reforms, economic development, and stabilization of Nigeria’s economy during the specter of a global financial crisis. His leadership provided the much-needed direction and vision during this time of stagnation, earning him the recognition of being a pragmatic and committed leader.
Western interest on Dr. Mukhtar became after his exit from the Nigerian government. He became a World Bank Executive Director from 2011 to 2014, during which he was instrumental in influencing policy decisions and overseeing development programs throughout Africa.
His work in the World Bank Group critically impacted member countries, particularly in the context of alignment with the International Development Association (IDA). In his roles with IDA, Dr. Mukhtar continued to exert significant influence, and member countries’ mainstream economic policy planning and project preparations were profoundly influenced by his insights. Beyond normal managerial activities, he supported the alignment of IDA activities with the changing regional political landscape in Africa.
