Hadiza Bala Usman is a prominent Nigerian political figure and public administrator known for her impactful leadership and activism. She made history as the first female Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and is a co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Her work in governance, transparency, and women’s empowerment has earned her recognition as one of Nigeria’s most influential public servants.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Hadiza Bala Usman |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Kaduna State |
| Spouse | Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi |
| Children | 2 boys |
| Occupations | Politician, Public Administrator |
| Net Worth | Approximately USD 1 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on 2 January 1976 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Hadiza comes from the notable Fulani Sullubawa family. Her father, Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman, was a respected historian and academic at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), where she was raised. Growing up in an intellectually rich environment on the ABU campus greatly influenced her outlook.
Hadiza completed her primary and secondary education in Zaria before attending Ahmadu Bello University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2000.
She furthered her studies at the University of Leeds, earning a Master’s degree in Development Studies in 2009, which deepened her knowledge of governance and development.
Career
Hadiza began her professional journey in 1999 as a research assistant at the Centre for Democratic Development and Research Training (CEDDERT). She then worked with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from 2000, playing a role in Nigeria’s privatization efforts.
She later served as Special Assistant on Project Implementation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Her political career gained momentum when she became Director of Strategy at the Good Governance Group (3G) in 2011. In 2015, she was appointed Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, becoming the first woman to hold that position in northern Nigeria.
In 2016, Hadiza was appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, where she led reforms to improve port operations, increase transparency, and modernize infrastructure.
Her tenure saw the adoption of digital systems to reduce corruption and enhance efficiency. In 2023, she was named Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu.
Apart from her administrative roles, Hadiza is well-known for co-founding the #BringBackOurGirls movement in 2014, advocating for the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Chibok. Her activism has gained international attention and acclaim.
Personal Life
Hadiza Bala Usman was married to Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, an economic analyst who previously served as an economic adviser to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. They have two sons together.
Hadiza Bala Usman Net Worth
Hadiza Bala Usman’s precise net worth has not been publicly revealed. Nonetheless, given her prominent roles in government—such as serving as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and holding key advisory positions—her estimated net worth is around $1 million USD.
Awards and Recognitions
Hadiza has received numerous honors, including:
- The 2019 Petroleum Industry Award for excellence in maritime leadership by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN).
- Recognition by Financial Times and CNN as one of the world’s most influential and inspiring women in 2014.
- Inclusion in Ebony Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Black Women (2014).
- BUSINESSDAY Excellence in Public Sector Transparency Award (2017).
- Vice Presidency (African Region) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
- Named among the 2018 Most Influential People of African Descent.
