AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has cultivated a reputation as a quiet revolutionist: a results-driven leader rooted in integrity, entrepreneurial zeal, and inclusive governance. His legacy blends oil-sector experience, digital education transformation, and urban planning foresight.
While security issues and implementation consistency remain challenges, his re-election win and NGF leadership point to widespread recognition of his steady, impactful governance. As Kwara advances its SmartCity vision and prioritises human capital, AbdulRahman stands at the helm of a modernizing, inclusive state crafting a pragmatic blueprint for state leadership in Nigeria.
AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq Biography
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq born on 5 February 1960 in Zaria, Kaduna State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is the son of the late Alhaji Abdulganiyu Folorunsho AbdulRazaq SAN, the first lawyer from Northern Nigeria and a former Minister during the First Republic. Raised in Ilorin West, Kwara Central, AbdulRahman attended Capital School, Kaduna, Bishop Smith Memorial School, Ilorin, and Government College, Kaduna, where he sat for his WASSCE in 1976. Fluent in Yoruba, Hausa, and English, his early life combined elite education with humble roots.
Entrepreneurial & Philanthropic Beginnings
Forgoing early public service, at age 29 he founded NOPA Oil Services, one of Nigeria’s first indigenous companies in crude oil import/export. He later led First Fuels Limited as CEO. His philanthropic footprint began pre-politics: he funded scholarships, supported vocational training, and improved infrastructure for the visually impaired in Ilorin.
Political Career & Governorship
AbdulRahman first entered politics in 1999, contesting unsuccessfully under various platforms (CPC, PDP) between 2003–2015. In 2019, he won the APC governorship primaries and thrashed his opponents in the general election, winning 331,546 votes (73.12%), and assumed office on 29 May 2019.
Re-elected convincingly in March 2023, he secured over 86% of votes. In May 2023, he was elected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Governance & Policy Impact
Education: KwaraLEARN & Smart Schools
In 2021, AbdulRahman launched KwaraLEARN, a digital initiative that has trained teachers and modernized classrooms across Kwara State, later declared one of his top achievements. His administration constructed over 600 classrooms, refurbished 1,335, installed boreholes and VIP toilets, and recruited teachers across all levels.
Healthcare & Infrastructure
Led digital health improvements, renovating hospitals, dental and ophthalmic centers, and ranking top in Primary Health Care delivery in North-Central Nigeria. He also secured major repairs and flood relief, with ₦5–10 billion in compensation paid to affected Kwarans.
Urban Renewal: SmartCity Project
In April 2024, he initiated the 20,065-hectare SmartCity project in Ilorin, based on an IFC master plan embracing sustainable development goals, delivering planned housing, schools, healthcare, and green spaces.
Security & Crisis Management
Despite Kwara’s relatively peaceful profile, rising rural insecurity and bandit attacks have posed challenges. Critics allege shortcomings in proactive state response.
AbdulRahman’s government has engaged the Federal Task Force and modernized local security, though some say more needs to be done.
Awards, Recognition & Traditional Honor
- Named Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper (2021)
- Awarded UN HeforShe nod for gender-inclusive appointments
- Conferred with the chieftaincy title Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate in August 2024 by Emir Sulu-Gambari
Personal Life & Values
Married to Prof. Olufolake Molawa Davies Abdulrazaq, a distinguished scholar and former diplomat; the couple has three sons. He keeps a relatively private profile but is widely respected for his accessibility and community rapport.
Net Worth & Economic Outlook
While exact figures are undisclosed, his wealth derives from decades in oil trading, real estate, and public office. External estimates place his personal net worth in the low millions, reflecting steady accumulation rather than ostentatious wealth.
Recent Engagements
- Aug 2023: Joined President Tinubu and six other governors at Benin Republic’s 63rd independence celebration
- Jan–Feb 2024: Championed flood relief funding; pushed for strategic security responses amid rural unrest
- Ongoing: Leads NGF in matters of national consensus-building, economic restructuring, and inter-state cooperation
