Boss Mustapha

Boss Mustapha, born in 1956 in Garaha, Adamawa State, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician recognized for his significant contributions as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Early Life and Education

Mustapha’s educational journey commenced in Hong, Adamawa, and continued at North East College of Arts and Sciences, Maiduguri, Borno State, where he graduated in 1976. He pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, earning a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) in 1979. He completed his mandatory law class at the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar that same year. He fulfilled his national service obligation between 1980 and 1981.

Legal and Business Career

Mustapha began his legal practice in Lagos with Messrs Onagoruwa & Co in 1983. He also worked at Sotesa Nigeria Limited, an Italian consultancy firm, before establishing his law firm, Messrs Mustapha & Associates, where he served as Principal Counsel until 2000. He later joined Adriot Lex & Co. as Principal Consultant (2000-2006). His expertise led him to serve on various boards in manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas, earning him the nickname “boardroom guru.”

Political Career

Mustapha’s foray into politics began in the 1980s. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly (1988-1989), which drafted the Constitution of the Third Nigerian Republic. He chaired the Peoples Solidarity Party (PSP) in the defunct Gongola State and was the Adamawa state chairman of the Social Democratic Party. He unsuccessfully ran for Adamawa State governorship in 1991. In 2000, he was part of the presidential committee investigating the Petroleum Trust Fund under Muhammadu Buhari. Mustapha also played significant roles in presidential campaigns, including serving as deputy director-general for Atiku Abubakar’s 2007 campaign and as deputy national chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, which later merged into the All Progressives Congress.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Appointed SGF in October 2017, Mustapha succeeded Babachir David Lawal. He took the oath of office in November 2017, bringing his legal and administrative expertise to the role.

Role During the Coronavirus Pandemic

As the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mustapha led efforts to control the virus spread in Nigeria, including holding daily briefings to update the public.

Memberships and Awards

Mustapha is a member of professional bodies such as the African Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, International Bar Association, and Human Rights Institute. In October 2022, he was honored with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Boss Mustapha: A Blend of Legal Acumen and Public Service

Mustapha’s career reflects a unique blend of legal expertise and public service. His journey from a legal practitioner to a key figure in Nigeria’s governance, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores his dedication to national development and public welfare. His contributions as SGF and in various political roles have left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape