From CBDA to SSG: The Remarkable 30-Year Public Service Journey of Baba Malam Wali

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu


Baba Malam Wali, a former Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), is widely regarded as a seasoned administrator with over three decades of public service experience.

Wali, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and began his career with the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA).

He later served as Social Mobilisation Officer at the defunct Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER).

The former SSG also worked as Principal Research Officer and subsequently Principal Private Secretary, now designated as Chief of Staff, to the Military Governor of Borno State.

With the establishment of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP), a Federal Government and European Union-supported initiative, Wali was appointed Field Team Coordinator.

He rose through the ranks to become Deputy Programme Manager and later Programme Manager, reflecting his administrative competence.

Wali also served as Director of Rural Development, Cooperatives and Community Development in the defunct Ministry of Integrated Rural Development.

He held other key positions, including Director of Personnel Management in the Ministry of Water Resources and Director of Administration and General Services in the Office of the SSG.

Upon his elevation to Permanent Secretary, he served in several ministries, including Sports and Social Development, Transport and Energy, Environment, and Administration and General Services.

He later attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he completed the Senior Executive Course and earned the Member of the National Institute (mni) title.

After the programme, he returned to the Governor’s Office as Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services, before his appointment as SSG of Yobe.

Wali served under former Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam and Gov. Mai Mala Buni, and, as of March 2026, holds the record as Nigeria’s longest-serving SSG, according to the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

His political engagement dates back to his days as a student activist during the Second Republic, continuing through subsequent democratic dispensations.

Beyond public service, Wali is recognised for his Islamic scholarship and is a Hafiz of the Holy Qur’an with knowledge of Hadith and Fiqh.

He has also attended several professional courses across America, Europe, Asia and Africa, further strengthening his expertise in governance and administration.

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