Mukhtaar Tijani @40: Ruby Jubilee for a Gem Destined to Shine

By Shuaib Kazeem

Mukhtaar Tijani is a name synonymous with competence and excellence. A young dynamo whose accomplishments defy his age, Mukhtaar has excelled in multiple public offices before the age of 40, leaving a legacy of achievements in his decade-long public service career that stretches from Abuja to Lagos. His unwavering determination and results-driven approach have cemented his reputation as a leader who rises to every challenge.

A proud Lagos indigene, Mukhtaar hails from the historic Ita-Agarau area, where his roots run deep. His drive and ambition echo the spirit of his forebears who thrived on Lagos Island long before its expansion. Mukhtaar’s resolute commitment to progress has been the hallmark of his career and life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Houston in 2008, Mukhtaar advanced his education at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in petroleum engineering. He further honed his skills with postgraduate certificates in power sector regulation from Italy’s Florence School of Regulation and the University of Cape Town. Mukhtaar also became a certified Public Sector Leader from the University of Oxford.

Mukhtaar’s professional journey began at Schlumberger Oilfield Services, where he rose to senior field engineer by the age of 28. At Kinley Exploration, he managed multi-million-dollar projects, including a $25 million mining trial for Iluka, an Australian state-owned mining company. These experiences ignited his passion for electricity generation as he often worked in remote locations with limited access to power.

In 2015, Mukhtaar was appointed Special Assistant on Power to then-President Muhammadu Buhari under Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s office. At just 30, his technical expertise set him apart, enabling him to propose innovative solutions to challenges in Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry.

Mukhtaar’s transition to Lagos marked another chapter of impactful leadership. Although his bid for the Lagos Island Federal House of Representatives fell short, he remained undeterred. Shortly after, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized his potential and appointed him General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB) in 2019.

Under his leadership, LSEB achieved remarkable milestones, including the effective management of four newly commissioned power plants and the execution of a transformative streetlight retrofit project using energy-efficient LEDs. These initiatives not only promoted sustainability but also enhanced Lagos State’s smart electricity network. Mukhtaar also spearheaded the commissioning of solar streetlights and transformers across local governments, improving electricity access for residents.

In 2023, Mukhtaar took on a greater challenge as the Managing Director of the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC), an agency that had been stagnant for over a decade. Despite initial skepticism from colleagues and advisors, Mukhtaar embraced the task with his characteristic zeal. His reforms began with the revitalization of the agency’s headquarters and included recruiting younger engineers to rejuvenate the workforce.

Mukhtaar’s leadership revitalized LSWC, transforming it into one of Lagos State’s most active agencies. He successfully launched the Mosan-Okunola (2MGD) mini waterworks, restoring water to communities after 25 years of scarcity. He also advanced the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) program in collaboration with USAID, focusing on rehabilitating waterworks to improve access across the state.

A standout achievement was the revival of the long-stalled Adiyan II Waterworks project, which, once completed, will deliver 70 million gallons of water daily to over five million Lagosians. Governor Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders have publicly commended Mukhtaar’s efforts, highlighting his dedication to overcoming challenges and driving progress.

Mukhtaar’s influence extends beyond infrastructure. Through the Mukhtaar Foundation’s ‘Back 2 School’ initiative, he has supported over 5,000 students from underprivileged households with essential school supplies. His regular visits to public schools on Lagos Island for mentorship and motivational sessions underscore his commitment to youth development.

Mukhtaar’s five-and-a-half years of service in Lagos’ energy and water sectors showcase his unparalleled dedication to public service. His humility, open-door policy, and genuine care for colleagues have earned him immense respect among peers and subordinates alike.

At 40, Mukhtaar Tijani’s career is a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and a profound commitment to societal progress. As he celebrates his ruby jubilee, Mukhtaar – fondly known as MTT – remains a rare gem destined to achieve even greater heights in the years ahead.

Shuaib Kazeem is a communications specialist and former web editor at Plustv Africa. He writes from Colchester, United Kingdom