Introduction
Babachir David Lawal is a prominent Nigerian civil servant who has served his country in various capacities over the years. Born on October 2, 1954, in Adamawa State, Nigeria, Lawal has had a long and distinguished career in public service.
Early Life and Education
Lawal was born and raised in Adamawa State, where he attended primary and secondary school. He went on to study at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he obtained a degree in engineering.
Career in Public Service
Lawal began his career in public service in the 1980s, working for various government agencies and departments. He rose through the ranks quickly, thanks to his hard work and dedication to serving his country.
Director of Planning and Monitoring
One of Lawal’s early roles was as the Director of Planning and Monitoring at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the implementation of various agricultural programs and initiatives.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
In 2015, Lawal was appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Muhammadu Buhari. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating the activities of various government agencies and departments.
Controversies
Lawal’s tenure as Secretary to the Government of the Federation was not without controversy. In 2017, he was suspended from office following allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds.
Grass-cutting Scandal
One of the most high-profile controversies during Lawal’s time in office was the “grass-cutting scandal,” in which he was accused of awarding contracts for the clearing of invasive grass species at inflated prices.
Suspension and Resignation
Following an investigation into the grass-cutting scandal, Lawal was suspended from office by President Buhari. He later resigned from his position as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Legacy
Despite the controversies that marred his time in office, Lawal is still remembered for his contributions to public service in Nigeria. He is credited with implementing several key initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the country.
Infrastructure Development
During his time as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Lawal oversaw several infrastructure development projects that aimed to improve the quality of life for Nigerians. These projects included road construction, housing development, and water supply initiatives.
Agricultural Reform
Lawal also focused on agricultural reform during his time in office, implementing programs that aimed to boost food production and reduce dependence on imported goods. His efforts in this area have had a positive impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Personal Life
Outside of his career in public service, Lawal is known for his philanthropic work and contributions to various charitable organizations. He is also a devoted family man, with a wife and children who support him in his endeavors.
