Abubakar Kyari, born on 15 January 1963, has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political sphere, currently spearheading initiatives as the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. With a significant stint as the Borno North Senatorial District senator from 2015-2022, he is a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), even ascending to acting national chairman in 2023.
Hailing from an influential lineage, Kyari is the son of Brigadier Abba Kyari, the renowned military governor of North Central State (1967-1975). Growing up with eight siblings, his educational trajectory stretched from Nigeria to the United States. After initial schooling at Kaduna Capital School, he pursued higher education at Barewa College, Zaria, culminating in a WASSCE in 1979. Subsequently, he broadened his horizons at the University of Tennessee, Martin, attaining a bachelor’s degree by 1986. His academic endeavors continued with an MBA from Webster University, St. Louis, in 1989.
Kyari’s early political endeavors saw him elected to Nigeria’s House of Representatives in 1998 under the United Nigeria Congress Party during General Sani Abacha’s regime. However, following Abacha’s demise, the party’s dissolution meant he didn’t assume the role. Instead, he served as the State Treasurer for the All People’s Party (APP) in Borno State (1998-1999).
As the fourth republic dawned in 1999, Kyari was re-elected to the House of Representatives via the APP, a position he held until 2003. His subsequent roles included multiple commissioner positions in Borno State, such as Water Resources, Education, Home Affairs, and Works. Additionally, he showcased his administrative acumen as Chief of Staff to Governor Kashim Shettima between 2011 and 2014.
Kyari’s allegiance to the APC was evident when he was elected and re-elected to the senate in 2015 and 2019, respectively. His dedication led him to resign in April 2022, taking on the mantle of APC’s deputy national chairman for the North. His leadership qualities were further recognized in July 2023 when he became the acting national chairman of the APC, succeeding Abdullahi Adamu. A month later, in August 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, following senate approval.
Acknowledging his immense contributions, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the prestigious Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) on Kyari in October 2022.
