Usman Aliyu Kaoje

Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018) was a Nigerian politician who was the first democratically elected president of Nigeria after the transfer of power by military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979, marking the Second Nigerian Republic. He briefly worked as a teacher before entering politics in 1951.

Between 1958 and 1975, Shagari held various cabinet posts as a federal commissioner, contributing significantly to sectors like infrastructure development, economic planning, and finance. As Minister of Works, he played a key role in projects such as the Eko Bridge in Lagos and the Niger Bridge. As Minister of Economic Development, he formulated Nigeria’s post-independence National Economic Plan and oversaw the launch of the Naira. As Federal Commissioner for Finance, he managed Nigeria’s currency and economic policies.

During his presidency (1979–1983), Shagari prioritized economic development, infrastructure expansion, and industrialization. His administration commissioned major projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, the largest steel project in Africa at the time, and the Kaduna refinery. Despite challenges including economic downturns and political instability, his legacy includes significant infrastructure, education reforms, and foreign policy initiatives.

Born on 25 February 1925 in Shagari, Kebbi State, to a Sunni Muslim Fulani family, Shagari was raised in a polygamous household. His father, Aliyu Shagari, was the Magajin Shagari (village head) before becoming a farmer and trader. Shagari’s education began in a Quranic school, followed by attendance at Yabo Elementary School (1931–1935), Sokoto Middle School (1936–1940), and Barewa College (1941–1944). He later studied at the Teachers Training College, Zaria (1944–1952).

Shagari entered politics in 1951 as the secretary of the Northern People’s Congress in Sokoto. His early activism included founding the Youth Social Circle in 1945, which later joined the NPC. He was elected to the federal House of Representatives in 1954 and served as parliamentary secretary and federal minister for commerce and industries (1958). His cabinet roles included economic development, pensions, internal affairs, and works, with key contributions to Nigeria’s post-independence governance.

Shagari’s diplomatic engagements included leading Nigerian delegations to international conferences such as the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPA), and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). He criticized apartheid and colonialism, advocating for African rights and economic stability. His presidency saw Nigeria’s foreign policy centered on African solidarity, though tensions arose with Western nations, including the U.S. during the 1980 Olympics boycott.

His presidency faced criticism for economic mismanagement and corruption allegations, including the 1983 electoral fraud and the decline of oil revenues. Despite this, Shagari introduced reforms like the War Against Indiscipline and the Ethical Revolution. His administration built infrastructure in Abuja, including roads, housing, and airports, and established universities and polytechnics nationwide. He also launched the Nigeria Trust Fund for African Development.

Shagari’s personal life included marriage to three wives: Amina, Aisha, and Hadiza. He had several children, including Muhammad Bala Shagari and Aminu Shehu Shagari. His death on 28 December 2018 in Abuja was confirmed by his grandson and governor, marking his lifelong contributions to Nigerian politics and development.