Dr. Shamsudeen Usman

Minister of National Planning, 2009 to date; Former Minister of Finance (2007-2009); Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria

Date of Birth: 18/07/1950
Place of Birth: Kano

Education: BSc, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; MSc and PhD, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom.

Biography: Planning Officer, Kano State Ministry of Economic Planning, 1974-76; taught economic analysis and public finance, University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, Kano, 1976-81; Controller, then Special Economic Advisor, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, 1981-85; General Manager, NAL Merchant Bank, 1985-89; Director General, Technical Committee of Privatisation and Commercialisation, 1989-91; Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, 2004-07; Alternate Chairman, Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting Company; Minister of Finance, 2007-09; Minister of National Planning, 2009 to date.

Commentary: In two years as Finance Minister, Usman did a spectacular job of making powerful enemies. These included Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole. Pressure on President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua from Usman’s many adversaries was behind his move to the Ministry of National Planning.

Usman is respected as a straight shooter. He speaks French and Arabic.