Niger State, located in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is the largest state in the country by land area. Established on 3 February 1976, the state holds significant historical, cultural, and administrative importance.
Attribute
Details
Capital
Minna
Area
76,363 sq. km (29,484 sq. miles)
Population (2005)
4,082,558
Languages
English (Official), Hausa
ISO-3166-2 Code
NG-NI
Date Created
3 February 1976
Size Rank (Area)
1st in Nigeria
Population Rank
18th in Nigeria
Governor (2005)
Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu
List of Governors of Niger State
Here is the structured list of administrators and governors of Niger State, highlighting their terms, titles, and political affiliations:
Name
Title
Took Office
Left Office
Party
Notes
Murtala Nyako
Administrator
February 1976
December 1977
Military
First administrator after the creation of Niger State from Sokoto State.
Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe
Administrator
December 1977
July 1978
Military
Colonel Joseph Oni
Administrator
July 1978
October 1979
Military
Malam Awwal Ibrahim
Executive Governor
October 1979
December 1983
NPN
Served during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
David B. Alechemu Mark
Administrator
January 1984
1986
Military
Later became Senate President of Nigeria.
Garba Ali Mohammed
Administrator
1986
December 1987
Military
Lawan Gwadabe
Administrator
December 1987
January 1992
Military
Musa Inuwa
Executive Governor
January 1992
November 1993
NRC
Served during the brief Third Republic.
Cletus Komena Emein
Administrator
December 9, 1993
August 22, 1996
Military
Simeon Oduoye
Administrator
August 22, 1996
August 1998
Military
Habibu Idris Shuaibu
Administrator
August 1998
May 1999
Military
Final military administrator before Nigeria’s return to democracy.
Abdulkadir Kure
Executive Governor
May 29, 1999
May 29, 2007
PDP
First civilian governor of the Fourth Republic.
Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu
Executive Governor
May 29, 2007
May 29, 2015
PDP
Popularly known as the “Chief Servant.”
Abubakar Sani Bello
Executive Governor
May 29, 2015
May 29, 2023
APC
Focused on infrastructural development and governance reforms.
Mohammed Umar Bago
Executive Governor
May 29, 2023
Incumbent
APC
Current governor, prioritizing education, youth development, and security.
Mohammed Umar Bago
Governance in Niger State
Governance Transition: The governance of Niger State transitioned from military to civilian rule multiple times, reflecting Nigeria’s broader political history.
Democracy Milestones: Abdulkadir Kure marked the beginning of stable democratic leadership in Niger State during the Fourth Republic.
Political Shifts: The state saw a transition of leadership between the PDP and APC, with both parties influencing its political and economic trajectory.
Current Focus: Mohammed Umar Bago is prioritizing infrastructure, education, and security in alignment with the state’s developmental goals.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN NIGER STATE FROM 1976
S/No.
NAME
PERIOD
REMARK
1
Navy Commander Murtala Nyako
Feb. 1976- 1977
Military Governor
2
Navy Commander Ebitu Ukiwe
1977-1978
Military Governor
3
Col. Ola Oni
1978 – 1979
1st Military Administrator
4
Mal Muhammad Awwai Ibrahim
Oct. 1979 – Dec. 1983
1st civilian governor
5
Col. David A.B. Mark
Jan. 1984 – Aug 1988
Military governor
6
Lt. Col. Garba Ali Muhammed
Aug. 1986 – 1987
Military Governor
7
Col. Mohammed Lawan Gwadabe
Jan. 1987 – 1992
Military Governor
8
Dr. Musa Muhammed Inuwa
Jan. 1992 – Nov. 1993
2nd Civilian Governor
9
Col. Cletus K. Emein
Dec. 1993 – Aug 1996
Military Administrator
10
C.P. Simeon O. Oduoye
14th Aug 1996 – Aug 1998
Military Administrator
11
Col. Habibu Idris Shuiabu
Aug 1998 – May 1999
Military Administrator
12
Engr. Abdulkhadir A. Kure
May 1999 to May 2007
3rd Civilian Governor
13
Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu
May 2007 to date
4th Civilian Governor
Creation and Administrative Evolution of Niger State
Formation (1976): Niger State was created from the North-Western State during the regime of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The state officially began functioning on 1 April 1976 with eight local government areas (LGAs):
Chanchaga
Rafi
Gbako
Etswan
Suleja
Mariga
Magama
Lavun
Etswan Split: Etswan Local Government was later divided into two, forming Agaie and Lapai LGAs.
Expansion and Reorganization of LGAs
Second Republic (1979–1983):
Under Mallam Muhammadu Awwal Ibrahim, Niger State’s Executive Governor during the Second Republic, the number of LGAs expanded to eighteen. The new LGAs included: