President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially requested the Senate to conduct a thorough screening of Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who is set to replace Nasir El-Rufai as the Minister of Environment, representing Kaduna.
This move has generated immense interest and speculation across the nation.
Lawal’s appointment comes as no surprise to those familiar with his distinguished career.
He previously served as the Secretary to the Government under the leadership of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, which has undoubtedly prepared him for this new role.
His extensive experience in governance and administration is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the Ministry of Environment.
Nasir El-Rufai, who was initially nominated and underwent the Senate’s screening process, faced obstacles in the form of ‘security concerns,’ which ultimately led to his non-confirmation.
Now, Balarabe Abbas Lawal steps into his shoes, ready to assume the responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment.
Tinubu’s letter to Senator Akpabio also includes two additional nominations for the Youth Ministry.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, a medical doctor hailing from Kwara State, will take the helm as Minister, while Olawale Olawande from Ondo State will serve as the Minister of State.
This marks a promising development for youth-focused initiatives in the country.
Balarabe Lawal was born on 5th February 1958 in Kachia, Kaduna State. His educational journey commenced at Kofar Kuyambana Primary School, spanning from 1964 to 1970.
Subsequently, he pursued his secondary education at the illustrious Barewa College Zaria, where he honed his academic prowess between 1971 and 1975.
After his time at Barewa College, Lawal transitioned to the Katsina College of Arts, Science, and Technology, where he graduated in 1978.
His quest for knowledge led him to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he studied political science from 1978 to 1981.
He also distinguished himself by attaining a Master’s degree in political science from the same institution in 1987.
Following his post-graduation phase, Balarabe Lawal ventured into academia as a lecturer at the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria, where he made significant contributions until July 1989.
Subsequently, he joined the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) as a Principal Management Development Officer from July 1989 to August 1991.
Continuing his career, Lawal became a pivotal figure at the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), where he served as the Principal Manager (Administration) from July 1991 to 1999.
The return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 marked a new chapter in Lawal’s career as he became the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Education from September 1999 to February 2001.
Following this, he assumed a similar role as Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Army within the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, from February 2001 to May 2003.
Lawal’s service to the nation extended to roles such as Special Assistant to the President in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Chief of Staff to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, spanning from July 2003 to July 2007.
Before his appointment as the Secretary to the Kaduna State government in 2015, Balarabe Lawal managed his real estate business, Rightedge Property Nigeria Limited.
He continued to serve as the Secretary to the Kaduna State government until May 2023, culminating his service with the chairmanship of the transition committee that facilitated the smooth transition to the government of Governor Uba Sani on 29th May 2023.
This significant appointment of Balarabe Abbas Lawal promises to bring new perspectives and energy to the Ministry of Environment, and it is a testament to his extensive experience and dedication to public service.
