Al-Makura Umaru Tanko

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura was born around 1952 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, belonging to the Gwandara ethnic group. He attended Dunama Primary School (1959–1966) before studying at Keffi Teacher’s College (1967–1971). His education continued at Government Teachers’ College of Education, Uyo (1972–1975), where he later served as a teacher during his National Youth Service.

After teaching, Al-Makura pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education in 1978. He briefly worked as an Assistant Producer at the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria before founding Almakura Nigeria Limited in 1978 to import and service agricultural/industrial machinery.

His business ventures expanded into real estate; he became chairman of Ta’al Nigeria Limited, owning properties across Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Washington DC. He also owns THE WAVE, a 5-star hotel under construction in Abuja, alongside the Ta’al Conference Hotel in Lafia.

Al-Makura served as youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State from 1980. In 1988–89, he represented Lafia-Obi Federal Constituency in Nasarawa’s Constitution Assembly. From 1990 to 1992, he was state secretary for the National Republican Convention (NRC).

A founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State in 1998, Al-Makura later defected after losing primary elections for governor. He ran on the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ticket in 2011 and was elected as Nasarawa Governor, defeating Aliyu Akwe-Doma of the PDP.

His tenure faced impeachment attempts in 2014 by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, alleging gross misconduct. While some members opposed it, others supported it; traditional rulers urged restraint to avoid conflict. The assembly approved a motion to review allegations but did not remove him.

In 2021, Al-Makura faced arrest by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged breach of trust and misappropriation of funds during his governorship. Investigations involved suspicious transfers from state accounts to personal businesses, sparking claims of bribery and money laundering.

Despite the EFCC’s report, Al-Makura denied wrongdoing, stating he was invited to address petitions against him. His net worth is estimated at $290 million, with real estate and business interests spanning Africa and the US.