- Borno State, created in 1976 from the defunct North-Eastern State, has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for the economic growth and social development of their constituents
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Borno state in the 10th National Assembly
As part of our ongoing Know Your Lawmakers series, we take a closer look at the senators representing Borno State in the National Assembly for the 2023-2027 period.
Borno State, created in 1976 from the defunct North-Eastern State, is often referred to as the "Home of Peace," and is located in Nigeria's North-East geopolitical zone.
The state is renowned for its rich history, with Maiduguri serving as both the capital city and the historical centre of the ancient Borno Emirate.
As the people of Borno state look to their elected representatives in the National Assembly, it’s important to know the individuals shaping policies and advocating for the state’s development.
Below are profiles of the three senators currently representing Borno in the 10th National Assembly:
1. Mohammed Tahir Monguno (North Senatorial District)
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who currently represents Borno North in the 10th National Assembly, took office on June 13, 2023, succeeding Abubakar Kyari.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monguno has been affiliated with the party since 2013, building a long track record of service to his constituents in Borno State.
Before his current role in the Senate, Monguno had an extensive career in the House of Representatives, where he served from 2007 to 2023, representing the Marte/Monguno/Nganzai Federal Constituency.
Monguno’s political journey began in 1992 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. During his time in the House, he held significant positions, including House Chief Whip from 2019 to 2023 and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Production and Services from 2011 to 2019.
His early political experience was further enriched by his roles as the Honorable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Borno State from 2003 to 2005, as well as Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Water Resources.
Recently, he distributed 110 mini trucks to his constituents, particularly benefiting farmers and traders. Senator Monguno emphasised that the initiative was part of his ongoing efforts to alleviate unemployment and promote economic growth, especially as peace gradually returns to the region.
2. Mohammed Ali Ndume (South senatorial district)
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who has represented the Borno South senatorial district since 2011, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndume has had a long political career, previously serving as a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011, where he represented the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency.
His political journey has seen affiliations with multiple parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and later the APC.
He has been a vocal critic of the nation's corruption, highlighting the persistent challenge of unexplained wealth and the failure to pass legislation addressing it.
He recently made a statement concerning this during an interactive session with journalists in September.
He said, “Our major challenge in this country is corruption. To date, we have no law that can proactively or reactively address the issue of corruption. If you find someone within our system, especially in politics or government, who is not corrupt, it is because he is fortunate enough to be God-fearing.
“Otherwise, it is only in Nigeria that you can steal money, walk freely, and be celebrated. If you visit an area like this, people will start lobbying and prostrating before you, even when they know the money was stolen.
“In this country, someone who had no money yesterday or last week can suddenly buy ten cars and jets, and his family will celebrate him,” Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume stated.
3. Shehu Kaka Lawan (Central senatorial district)
Senator Shehu Kaka Lawan, who represents the Borno Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly is a first-time senator.
His previous roles include serving as the Commissioner and Attorney General of Borno State in 2013, followed by a significant tenure as an Adviser to the Legal Master at Borno Stall in 2015, where he oversaw various ministries and chaired key security committees.
Lawan is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is particularly noted for sponsoring a bill aimed at establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State.
The bill has gained significant support, especially after a public hearing in which various stakeholders expressed their enthusiasm.
If passed, the university will be the first of its kind in Africa, focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship fields that Lawan believes are crucial for tackling Nigeria’s unemployment crisis and reducing the nation's over-reliance on white-collar jobs.
At the hearing, Senator Lawan emphasised the importance of specialised education to foster practical skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship, which he argued are essential for the sustainable economic development of the region and the country.
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Here are the senators representing Adamawa in 10th Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Adamawa State, located in Nigeria's northeastern region, is represented by three senators representing the state's senatorial districts and they are responsible for lawmaking as well as advocating for the needs and concerns of their constituents.
TheRadar compiled the Senators representing the People of Adamawa State in the 10th National Assembly.