Early Life, Career, Awards, Family & Net Worth

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (born September 19, 1962) is a Nigerian politician who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence from August 21, 2023, to December 1, 2025, but resigned on health grounds. He formerly served as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 until 2023.

Badaru, as he is well known, was a former chairman of the Nigerian Presidential Committee on Fertiliser Distribution to Farmers, as well as a former chairman of the Presidential Committee on Non-Oil Revenue. He is the founder of the Talamiz Group.

Badaru Abubakar Biography

Badaru was born in Babura, a district in northern Nigeria that is now part of Jigawa state. He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. During his academic years, he was active in community involvement, athletics, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Badaru continued his schooling at the Kuru-based National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in 2006.

Career

Following his graduation, Badaru founded the Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with interests in autos, manufacturing, agriculture, animal husbandry, and commodity distribution.

He served as Vice President II of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industries, as well as a Fellow of the Nigerian Association of National Accountants. Before that, he served on the National Council for Privatisation.

Badaru is the current National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture. Badaru’s political career began with his bid for governor under the Action Congress of Nigeria, which was ultimately unsuccessful.

He later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected as Governor of Jigawa State in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and served until 2023.

During his tenure, he prioritised programs that promoted economic development, improved infrastructure, and improved the overall quality of life for the state’s citizens.

In acknowledgement of his leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu named him Minister of Defence, which he will officially assume on August 21, 2023.

Awards

Badaru received the traditional titles of Sardaunan Ringim in the Ringim emirate and Walin Jahun in the Dutse emirate councils in appreciation of his hard work and philanthropic endeavours. In 2006, the president additionally bestowed upon him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

Badaru Abubakar wife

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar practises Islam and has three wives. He has multiple children from his marriages. In 2006, he was awarded the national distinction Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for his service to Nigeria. He also holds traditional titles such as Sardaunan Ringim (in Ringim Emirate) and Walin Jahun (in Dutse Emirate). He is well-known in his home state for his contributions to community development and charitable activity.