Zubaida Umar Abubakar is a distinguished Nigerian public servant and administrator, currently serving as the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2024.

Born on May 21, 1977, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, she has built an impressive career in finance, policy, and public administration. Zubaida holds a degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a master’s degree in International Trade from Robert Gordon University Business School in Scotland. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), and the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), further solidifying her expertise in financial management and governance.

Her career began at Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, where she worked from 2000 to 2006 before transitioning to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), where she held key strategic positions. Over the years, she served as Deputy General Manager for Organizational Resourcing, Deputy General Manager for Policy and Strategy, Zonal Coordinator for the FCT, Kogi, and Niger States, and Group Head of Corporate Communications. She later became the General Manager for the FCT Zone and ultimately the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at FMBN, demonstrating her expertise in financial administration and corporate governance.

Zubaida comes from a family with a strong legacy of public service. She is the daughter of Colonel Dangiwa Umar, a retired military officer and former Governor of Kaduna State known for his advocacy for democracy and justice. Her maternal grandfather, Mallam Yahaya Gusau, was a respected Northern leader who contributed significantly to education and community development in Nigeria. She is married to Kashim Tumsah, a lawyer, diplomat, and businessman, who holds the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

With her extensive experience in finance, strategic management, and public administration, Zubaida Umar Abubakar continues to make an impact in governance, now leading NEMA in strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response and disaster management efforts. Her leadership is expected to drive reforms and enhance the agency’s capacity to handle crises effectively, further cementing her role as a trailblazer in public service.