Muhammad Sani Abdullahi

Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, popularly known as Dattijo (born October 26, 1979), is a Nigerian economist and public servant currently serving as Deputy Governor of Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since 2023. He played a key role in shaping the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a policy adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He also served as Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Kaduna State, where he pioneered Nigeria’s first subnational Open Government Partnership (OGP) and led significant governance and budgetary reforms. A TEDx speaker and author of ''Disruption: Rethinking Governance to Work for the Poor'' (2023), and adviser to the World Bank, Abdullahi is recognised for his contributions to economic policy and governance reform in Nigeria and globally.

Early life and education

Muhammad Sani Abdullahi was born on October 26, 1979, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Raised in a region known for its cultural and economic significance, he developed an early interest in public policy and development. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria. He later pursued advanced studies, obtaining a Master of Science in Development Economics from the University of Manchester and another Master's Degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University. Abdullahi also attended certificate programs at institutions including the London School of Economics, Columbia University, and Oxford University. In 2017, he was selected to participate in the Georgetown Leadership Seminar at Georgetown University.

Career

United Nations and Sustainable Goals

In 2015, Abdullahi served as a policy adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, contributing to the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the UN’s Post-2015 Development Agenda team, he worked closely with Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Environment and now UN Deputy Secretary-General, who served as his mentor in developing global frameworks for inclusive development and participatory governance. His contributions were instrumental in shaping policies for poverty reduction, economic development, and data-driven governance, which became integral to the 17 SDGs adopted in September 2015. His work helped align global development priorities with the needs of developing nations like Nigeria. In 2018, he was one of two Nigerians - himself and Sahara Group co-founder Tonye Cole - appointed to the World Bank Expert Advisory Council on Citizen Engagement.

Kaduna State governance

From 2015 to 2023, Abdullahi served as Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Kaduna State under Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. He spearheaded reforms to improve budget transparency and efficiency, including the introduction of Nigeria’s first subnational Open Government Partnership (OGP) in 2018. This initiative promoted citizen engagement and accountability in governance. Abdullahi also led efforts to align Kaduna’s budget with the SDGs, ensuring data-driven policy decisions on public spending. His reforms reduced budget delivery timelines and increased public access to financial data, earning praise from organisations like the World Bank. Later, he briefly served as Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor in 2021, overseeing strategic policy implementation, before returning to the Ministry of Budget and Planning.

Central Bank of Nigeria

In 2023, Abdullahi was appointed Deputy Governor for Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In this role, he has focused on directing national monetary policy, financial inclusion, and economic stabilisation efforts in response to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation and currency fluctuations. Under his leadership, the CBN launched an updated National Financial Inclusion Strategy, targeting increased access to digital financial services for women, youth, and rural populations He has also contributed to the redesign of Nigeria’s monetary policy framework, advocating for a more data-driven and forward-looking approach to inflation targeting. Abdullahi's tenure has emphasised restoring investor confidence, improving foreign exchange management, and supporting small- and medium-scale enterprises through revised credit policies and intervention funds.

Other roles

Abdullahi has served as a Senior Policy Adviser to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, where he provided strategic guidance on economic development planning, governance, and intergovernmental coordination. He is also a member of the World Bank’s Expert Advisory Council on Citizen Engagement, advising on participatory governance models globally. His expertise has been sought by international organisations for his insights into development economics and public administration.

Publications and speeches

Abdullahi is the author of ''Disruption: Rethinking Governance to Work for the Poor'' (published July 2, 2023), a book that explores innovative governance models to address poverty and inequality in developing nations. The book draws on his experiences in Kaduna and the UN, advocating for data-driven and citizen-centric policies. He is a frequent public speaker, having delivered TEDx talks in 2017 and 2018 on topics related to governance, leadership, and sustainable development. His speeches emphasise the role of young leaders in transforming African governance systems.

Awards and fellowships

* African Leadership Institute Fellow (2017): Recognised for his leadership in public policy and governance reform
* Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow (2011): Honoured for his contributions to African development and leadership

Personal life

Abdullahi is married and has children. He is known for maintaining a private family life, though he frequently emphasises the importance of mentorship, leadership by example, and service. Outside of public office, he is an advocate for youth empowerment and leadership development, mentoring emerging professionals through fellowships and development programs. Abdullahi resides in Abuja, Nigeria, and is actively involved in civic initiatives focused on transparency, inclusive growth, and nation-building.

Public image

Abdullahi is widely regarded in Nigeria as a technocrat and reformist dedicated to transparent governance and economic development. His work in Kaduna earned him recognition for modernising budget processes, though some critics have noted challenges in implementing reforms amidst Nigeria’s complex political landscape. His TEDx talks and book have positioned him as a thought leader in African governance, with a growing international profile due to his UN and World Bank roles.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abdullahi, Muhammad Sani
People from Kaduna
Politicians from Kaduna State
Ahmadu Bello University alumni
Nigerian officials of the United Nations
1979 births
Living people