By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
Alhaji Mu’Azu Jaji Sambo, was a popular administrator in the maritime sector, where he retired as the Lagos Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Even as a civil servant, Sambo has also worked with President Muhammadu Buhari during the days of All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) back in 2003. Sambo was born on the 7th of September, 1959 in Jalingo, Taraba State. He hails from Taraba State.
Young Sambo attended Muhammadu Nya Primary School Jalingo and Federal Government College, Maiduguri where he obtained WASCE Grade One Distinction. Sambo studied civil engineering from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and graduated with Second Class Upper Division.
He is a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Member Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Mu’azu Jaji Sambo was appointed a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the President, Commander -In- Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on December 24, 2021 .
He was assigned the responsibility of Minister of State in Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Sambo had worked as a Senior Civil Engineer with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Senior Manager (Banking Operations/Credit), Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc; Assistant General Manager (Administration) Allied Bank of Nigeria Plc; Senior Manager (Administration) NICON Insurance Corporation and General Manager Lagos Zone, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where he meritoriously retired from the public service in 2019.
Sambo’s political trajectory saw him as a Foundation Member of the All Peoples Party (APP) in Taraba State where he aspired for the Taraba State Governorship seat under the Party in 1999.
In the 2003 Presidential election, Sambo was the Taraba State Collation Centre Agent of the Presidential Candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Rtd.
Sambo’s working experience in various organizations over the years earned him many awards and commendations in recognition of his meritorious services, amongst which were: National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Best Area Office Award in Lagos for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019 as well as for his special contribution in the initiation and construction of the new Area Office in Lagos and Best Area Manager Award for Revenue Generation and Collection at the Port Harcourt Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
He also received commendation during his working days at NICON Insurance Corporate Office in Abuja for the successful completion of the construction of the NICON Headquarters Building in Abuja.
Allied Bank of Nigeria Plc Lagos also conferred on him the MD/CEO’s Award for Outstanding Performance on his professional touch in the completion of the construction of their headquarters building in Lagos.
The Awards and recognitions did not end there. Sambo also received a special award and commendation for successfully pioneering and completing the First Direct Labour Project at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos, for the construction of the NPA Clinic in Apapa, Lagos.
In addition to the aforementioned, Sambo also received in 2019, the Fellowship Award of the Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies for Outstanding Performance as General Manager, Lagos Zone of the National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA).
Other Awards and Recognitions received by the indefatigable gentleman include: Nigeria Transport Award (Transport Day Magazine) Distinguished Transport and Maritime Administrator of the Year 2018; President’s Award of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transportation of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) in 2015; Nigeria Merchant Naval Officers and Water Transportation Senior Staff Association Award of Excellence in 2014.
His hobbies and interests are voluntary humanitarian services and community development, physical fitness, and reading. Sambo is happily married and blessed with children.
