Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji: In the Spirit of True Public Service
By Tunji Olaopa It was Mahatma Gandhi that once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” And Gandhi was eminently qualified
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a distinguished public servant, diplomat, and technocrat, dedicated his career to the service of Nigeria and its people. Born into a lineage of public service, he was mentored by the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, who once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji embodied this ethos, serving the nation with unwavering dedication and professionalism from 1964 until his retirement.
Throughout his illustrious career, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji held various prestigious positions, including permanent secretary, federal minister, and high commissioner to the United Kingdom. His expertise in economic and financial matters, honed through his studies in political economy, enabled him to make significant contributions during his tenure as a permanent secretary.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji's journey to the top began as an assistant secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance and later as a principal assistant secretary at the Ministry of Industries. His rise to the highest offices, such as permanent secretary in 1975 at the Ministry of Trade and eventually as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, demonstrated his unflinching commitment to the nation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was renowned for his love for the people and his community. He combined this deep sense of humanity with an unyielding dedication to the service of the nation. His contributions extended to high-level policy deliberations, where he served on the Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) alongside esteemed colleagues.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji's insights and expertise were invaluable in shaping policy decisions, particularly in relation to the policy implications of the Dotun Phillips Commission Report of 1985 and its transformation into the Civil Service Reorganization Decree of 1988. His involvement in the implementation of structural adjustment programs, a standard response by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, further highlighted his commitment to the nation's economic development.
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