Dr. Mansur Muhtar is a prominent Nigerian economist who has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the chairman of the board of the Bank of Industry Limited.
Muhtar’s extensive career has seen him serve in various influential positions, including his tenure as Minister of Finance in President Umaru Yar’Adua’s cabinet from December 2008 until March 2010.
Profile details
Name: Mansur Muhtar
Born: 21st September, 1959
State of origin: Kano State
Education: Ahmadu Bello University
Relationship status: Married
Religion: Muslim
Career: Economist
Background
Mansur Muhtar was born on September 21, 1959 into an Islamic family in Kano State, Nigeria.
He attended King’s College in Lagos before earning a B.Sc. in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980.
He furthered his education in the United Kingdom, obtaining a master’s degree in economics and politics of development from the University of Cambridge in 1983, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Sussex in 1988.
Muhtar also enriched his leadership skills through courses at Harvard’s Kennedy School, Wharton School, and the Singapore Civil Service Administrative College
Career overview
Mansur Muhtar’s illustrious career spans key roles in both national and international finance.
He began his early career at the Central Bank of Nigeria as an Assistant Economist.
Between 1988 and 1990, Muhtar served in the education sector as a graduate assistant, lecturer, and eventually the head of the Department of Economics at Bayero University, Kano. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his later roles on the global stage.
He held key advisory roles, including being a special adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources from 1990 to 1992.
His international experience includes working with the World Bank from 1992 to 2000 and holding executive positions at the United Bank for Africa and the African Development Bank.
He also served as Director-General of Nigeria’s Debt Management Office from 2003 to 2007.
As Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2008 to 2010, Muhtar played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies during a pivotal period.
Following his tenure as minister, he further expanded his impact on the global stage as the Vice-President of Operations at the Islamic Development Bank.
After leaving the ministry, he served as an executive director at the World Bank, where he contributed to shaping the bank’s strategic directions and policies from 2011 to 2014.
Since 2014, Muhtar has been with the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he holds the position of vice president of country operations.
In 2023, his expertise was further recognized when he was appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a member of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement’s lead group, underscoring his ongoing influence in global development.
Mansur Muhtar’s career is a testament to his expertise and dedication in the field of economics and public service.
His recent appointment as Chairman of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry by President Bola Tinubu adds another chapter to an already distinguished career, highlighting his continuous influence in both national and international economic spheres.
Private life
Mansur Muhtar is a devout Muslim and is happily to Hadiza Mansur, together they have children.
Recognitions
For his substantial contributions to national development, Muhtar was honored with the Nigeria National Honours Award, Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), underscoring his enduring impact on Nigeria and the global financial community.
The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, bestowed a significant traditional title as the Sarkin Bai of the Kano Emirate Council on Dr. Mansur Muhtar in 2022.
This honor recognized Mukhtar’s contributions to the nation and his ties to the Kano community, further solidifying his standing in both traditional and modern leadership roles.
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