Umana Okon Umana

Umana Okon Umana CON is a Nigerian politician, economist, and business leader who has played a significant role in the political and economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. His career spans over three decades, encompassing public service, economic management, and political leadership. His career spans over three decades, encompassing public service, economic management, and political leadership. He served as Nigeria's Minister of Niger Delta Affairs from July 2022 to April 2023. ^{[1] [2]}

Early life and education

Umana was born on 20 August 1959 in Calabar, Cross River State. ^[3] He attended St. Patrick's College for his secondary education before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Calabar in 1980. ^[4] In 1987, he completed an MBA in Finance from the University of Port Harcourt . ^[5]

He has also attended professional development courses, including:

• Columbia Senior Executive Program at Columbia Business School (2002).
• Senior Executive Programme at London Business School (2009).
• Courses at Harvard Kennedy School of Government , including Leading Economic Growth and Mastering Negotiation (2019). ^{[5] [6]}

Civil service career

Umana began his career in public service in Akwa Ibom State: ^[7]

• Permanent Secretary, Budget Office (2000–2003): He served as the first permanent secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Budget Office, playing a key role in the state’s economic planning. ^[8]
• Commissioner for Finance (2003–2007): Umana served two terms under Governor Victor Attah, focusing on fiscal policy and state-level financial management. ^[9]

Political career

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs (2022–2023)

Umana was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2022. During his tenure, he prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation, socio-economic development, and community empowerment in the Niger Delta region. ^[10]

He was recognized as the "Minister of the Year" by various media organizations in 2022. ^[11]

Managing Director/CEO, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA)

As head of OGFZA, Umana worked to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s oil and gas-free zones. Under his leadership, OGFZA: ^[12]

• Achieved first place in the Presidential Ease of Doing Business Initiative in 2018. ^[13]
• Won international recognition as "Free Zone of the Year" by fDi Magazine in 2018.

Secretary to the Government of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2013)

Under Governor Godswill Akpabio, Umana coordinated government operations and policy implementation as the Secretary to the State Government. ^[14]

Gubernatorial candidacy

In 2015, Umana contested as the gubernatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although he did not win, his campaign demonstrated his political influence in the state. ^{[2] [15]}

Additional roles

• Deputy Director of Logistics, APC Presidential Campaign (2019). ^[16]

Contributions

Umana’s career has been marked by:

• Economic Development: Spearheading fiscal policies and infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom State. ^[11]
• Governance and Transparency: Advocating for streamlined governance and public accountability in various administrative roles. ^[17]

Recognition

• Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON): Conferred in 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari. ^[18]
• Minister of the Year (2022): Awarded by several Nigerian newspaper agencies. ^[11]
• fDi Magazine Awards: Recognized OGFZA as "Free Zone of the Year" (2018) and for "Bespoke Free Zone Incentives" (2019). ^[17]

References

1. "National Assembly | Federal Republic of Nigeria". nass.gov.ng. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
2. "APC's Umana Umana to challenge Akwa Ibom governorship election result". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
3. "Nigeria: Etim - Umana Okon Umana At 55". All Africa. 20 August 2014. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
4. "Umana hosts classmates in Akwa Ibom". Daily Trust News. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
5. "UniCal maiden Distinguished Alumnus Award on Umana, honour well deserved". TheCable NG. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
6. Umana, Umana (28 October 2024). "Umana profile". LinkedIn . Retrieved 28 October 2024.
7. "Profile Of Budget Office - Akwa Ibom State Government". 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
8. "Profile Of Budget Office - Akwa Ibom State Government". 22 July 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
9. Onuegbu, Chioma (5 August 2014). "'I am destined to succeed Akpabio – Umana". vanguard . pp. 'pp': 1. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
10. Iroanusi, QueenEsther (29 June 2022). "ROUND-UP: How Senate screened, confirmed ministerial nominees". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
11. "Umana Bags Minister Of The Year Award". Leadership News. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
12. Igbikiowubo, Hector (17 January 2020). "Buhari re-appoints Umana Okon Umana as OGFZA boss". SweetCrudeReports. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
13. Uzor, Franklin (7 June 2019). "Kudos for OGFZA on Ease of Doing Business". Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
14. Udo, Bassey (31 July 2013). "Update: Akwa Ibom crisis: Akpabio appoints new SSG as Umana resigns". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
15. "A/Ibom: Umana takes stand as star witness at tribunal". Vanguard News. 21 August 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
16. Ailemen, Anthony (28 December 2018). "Full list of APC's Presidential campaign council". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
17. "FIN Awardee, Umana Okon Umana, Managing Director/CEO, OGFZA". Foreign Investment Network. 5 February 2019. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
18. "Buhari Confers National Honours on Umana, Udom". TheCable. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.