Meet the Team: Passionate People Driving Success and Innovation Forward
Bringing Innovation, Dedication, and Excellence Together for Lasting Impact and Success
Honourable Commissioner: Abdulrahman Tumbido
Permanent Secretary
Aminu Jibril Guraguri
Aminu Jibril Guraguri is a highly accomplished and experienced financial professional with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in public financial management, particularly within the Nigerian public sector. His extensive expertise encompasses financial oversight, project coordination, donor fund administration, and strategic leadership, culminating in his current role as Permanent Secretary. Mr. Guraguri’s career trajectory demonstrates a consistent upward progression, marked by significant contributions to various national and international development initiatives.
Educational Foundation
Mr. Guraguri’s strong academic background has provided a robust foundation for his professional achievements. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, obtained in 2004, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Management from the same institution, earned in 1999. Earlier in his career, he acquired a National Diploma (OND) in Business Administration from
Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi in 1992 and a Certificate in Public Personnel Management from Polytechnic Sokoto (College of Administration) in 1990. These qualifications underscore his commitment to continuous learning and his comprehensive understanding of business and public administration principles.
Professional Journey and Leadership Roles
Mr. Guraguri’s professional journey is characterized by a series of increasingly responsible roles within various government and development agencies. His career began with foundational roles that built his expertise in accounting and financial management:
• Senior Accountant, Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP) (1995 – 1996): This early role provided him with hands-on experience in agricultural project finance:
• Principal Accountant, Zamfara State Agricultural Development Project (1996 – 2000): He further honed his accounting skills and took on more significant responsibilities in this capacity. His career then transitioned into roles with broader impact, particularly in the management of donor-funded projects.
• State Project Accountant (SPA), UNDP-funded Project (July 2001 – 2005): In this critical role, Mr. Guraguri was instrumental in managing financial aspects of projects funded by the United Nations Development Programme. His responsibilities included facilitating micro-credit schemes aimed at poverty reduction, with a particular focus on empowering women. He also served as a Technical Committee member for the establishment of 14 Skill Acquisition Centers, demonstrating his involvement in strategic development initiatives.
• State Project Accountant (SPA), Zamfara State Agency for the Control of AIDS (World Bank-funded HIV/AIDS Programme) (2005 – 2008): This role saw him managing the financial operations of a vital public health program. He was responsible for engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support non-health sector HIV response efforts under the World Bank HAF I project.
• Head of Projects Financial Management Unit (PFMU) (2008 – 2012): As the head of this unit, Mr. Guraguri oversaw the financial management of multiple projects, showcasing his leadership and coordination abilities. His ascent continued into senior leadership positions within the public service:
• Deputy Director of Finance (GL 15) (January 2013 – December 2016): In this role, he took on greater departmental responsibilities, contributing to the overall financial health and accountability of the organization.
• Director of Finance (GL 16 effective 1st Jan. 2017 – 11th Oct. 2022): As Director, Mr. Guraguri held a pivotal position, overseeing significant financial operations and contributing to policy implementation. During this period, he coordinated and managed five major World Bank-funded projects, including Fadama III, ZMSACA,
IFAD, Health System Development Project, and Avian Influenza. He was also
responsible for leading financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annual) for key donor agencies like the World Bank and UNDP, ensuring transparency and compliance. His expertise extended to managing Flexible Accounting software for World Bank projects in Zamfara State, highlighting his technical proficiency in financial systems.
• Permanent Secretary (11th October 2022 to date): Mr. Guraguri’s appointment as Permanent Secretary is a testament to his exceptional leadership, profound understanding of public administration, and unwavering dedication to public service. In this esteemed position, he plays a crucial role in policy implementation, strategic oversight, and the overall governance of his assigned ministry or
department.
Other Key Officials (Name & Position):
1. Muazu Dahiru Director Administration
2. Ibrahim Sodangi Deputy Director Administration
3. Rabiu Umar Jangebe Director Finance
4. Abbas Yahaya Deputy Director Finance
5. Hadiza Bello Anka Director Commerce
6. Lawali Ubandawaki Deputy Director Commerce
7. Bello Muhammad Assistant Director Commerce
8. Hadiza Muhammad Tukur Director Industries
9. Aisha Haruna-Deputy Director Industries
10. Muhammad Garba Kanoma Assistant Director Industries
11. Mustapha Muhammad Dahir Director Tourism
12. Nafiu Namadi Deputy Director Tourism
13. Abubakar Alhaji Sale Assistant Director Tourism
14. Aliyu S.Tudu Director Cooperative
15. Hashimu Muhammad Deputy Director Cooperative
16. Rabiu Muhammad B/Tsaba Assistant Director Cooperative
17. Ibrahim Idris Director Skill Acquisition
18. Usman Ahmad Bello Director Procurement
19. Lawali Musa Director Procurement
Key Skills and Expertise
Throughout his career, Mr. Guraguri has cultivated a comprehensive skill set that makes him an invaluable asset in public financial management:
• Financial Management & Donor Fund Administration: Proven ability to manage complex financial operations, ensuring accountability and efficient utilization of funds from various sources, including international donors.
• Project Budgeting & Monitoring: Expertise in developing, implementing, and monitoring project budgets to ensure financial viability and successful project delivery.
• Leadership & Coordination: Demonstrated capacity to lead teams, coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, and achieve strategic objectives.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Strong proficiency in preparing accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, adhering to international accounting standards and donor requirements.
• Public Sector Administration: Deep understanding of public sector operations, policies, and governance frameworks.
Continuous Professional Development Mr. Guraguri’s commitment to professional excellence is further evidenced by his participation in numerous training programs and workshops, which have continuously enhanced his skills and knowledge:
• Project Budget Planning, Preparation, and Implementation Monitoring (Training & Consultancy Service Limited, Lagos – 2011)
• Flexible Accounting 2000+ (Tokuns International Limited, Kaduna – 2010)
• Leadership Training (Philip Edward Training Institute, Lagos – 2010)
• Financial Management of Donor Funds (Professional Development & Training International, Swaziland – 2009)
• World Bank Procurement Capacity Building Programs Microsoft Excel
(Spreadsheet) Training (Intersystem Computer Training School, Lagos – 2008)
•Advanced Management Course (Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON – 2007)
These training experiences reflect his dedication to staying abreast of best practices in financial management, leadership, and project execution.
Conclusion
Aminu Jibril Guraguri is a distinguished public servant whose career is defined by integrity, expertise, and a profound commitment to national development. His journey from an accountant to a Permanent Secretary showcases a remarkable blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and leadership acumen. His contributions to financial management, particularly in the context of international development projects, have had a significant and lasting impact on the communities he serves. Mr. Guraguri stands as a model of professional excellence and dedication in the public sector.
