Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Former NAPTIP Boss who Could be Humanitarian Affairs Minister

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Former NAPTIP Boss who Could be Humanitarian Affairs Minister

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

After series of predictions and counter-predictions,the debate of who will be part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet was finally laid to rest when the ministerial list was transmitted to the members of the Senate for screening and assent.

28 ministerial nominees were unveiled before the floor of the Red Chamber on Thursday, July 27, 2023 and read by the Senate President Godswil Akpabio.

Appearing on the list, is the name of that energetic woman of great virtue, who can be described as an ‘iron lady,’ Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. She who was the immediate past Federal Commissioner of the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants, And Internally Displaced Persons.

Her inclusion is not surprising looking at her impressive record in public service.

Born in Plateau, but having originated from Keffi in Nasarawa State, Mrs Ibrahim attended Aruwa Nursery School, Abuja and Jabi Primary School, (now, LEA Primary School, Jabi), for her nursery and primary school education before preceding to Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja for her post-primary education.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Earned BSc. Sociology degree from the University of Abuja in 1999 at the age of 19. Two years later, she bagged two Master’s Degrees; Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of Art in Management (MA), both from Webster University.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim started her public service career with Abuja Geographic Information Systems, AGIS, before moving to the United Kingdom where she worked in Human Resource, Business and Management before becoming a certified Human Resource Management consultant, SAP HCM Consultant.

Imaan has a nine-year award-winning career with Mary Kay Cosmetics UK, starting from the scratch as a beauty consultant and rising very quickly to the top a Senior sales Director and Member of the Advisory Board among others.

She has mentored thousands of women and men to self-sufficiency and prosperity. She is a co-Founder/oresident of The Beehive Initiative, a platform focused on nurturing politically inclined women and civic advocacy which is now known as The BumbleeBee Civic Initiative.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s impressive journey in public service is marked by her outstanding contributions to various government agencies and various advisory councils where she has served.

She previously served as a special adviser on strategic communication to the former minister of state for education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba thereby demonstrating her expertise in communication and her commitment to promoting education in Nigeria.

Recognising her exceptional talents, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. A. A. Sule appointed Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory Council in September 2019. Her strategic insights and economic acumen have undoubtedly contributed to the state’s development.

Taking on further significant responsibilities, Sulaiman-Ibrahim assumed the crucial role of Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for six months, from December 2020 to May 2021. Her tenure at NAPTIP showcased her dedication to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Using that position, she contributed immensely to the plights of trafficked persons and also strengthened the national response to addressing irregular migration. During her watch, the Nigerian US Trafficking ranking rose a step to a Tier 2.

Mrs Ibrahim held this position for the duration of 6 months only, i.e. from December 2020 to May 2021 following the directives of ex-President Buhari to move her to the National Commission For Refugees Migrants And Internally Displaced Persons Office as the Federal Commissioner.

Ever since she assumed this role on June 4, 2021, she has been instrumental in addressing the needs and challenges faced by refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons, playing a vital role in offering support and relief.

During her days at the Commission, Hon Imaan spearheaded policies that would strengthen national response in areas of her mandate.

One of these programmes and project drivers is the ‘Project Educate All’ which has been conceived in line with the Commission’s work plan to address the growing challenge and learning needs of displaced persons as well as to ensure accelerated learning in emergency settings in line with global practices. The launch of the project complements the transitional learning centers that would further enhance the reading and fast-track learning for pupils in camps and host communities.

Yet another is the ‘Project Skill Up’ which ensures a whole of society’s effort to the provision of durable solutions for all persons of concern. It allows a concerted, coordinated and collaborative effort towards capacity building Programmes for Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees, and migrants in all sectors.

Other project drivers include Project Total Health, Project Zero Hunger, Project Light Up and Project Resettlement Cities among others. These programmes ensure the total reintegration, rehabilitation and resettlement of persons of concern into society while ensuring durable and sustainable solutions and breeding self-reliance.

In terms of professional bodies membership, Imaan is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute Personnel Development Associate (CIPDC). She is a Participant of the Executive Management Intelligence Course 14 which earned her the status of Fellow Security Institute fsi. She has undergone several courses and training both within and outside Nigeria.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s journey in public service is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and leadership. Her roles in various government agencies have demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on society.

With her exemplary achievements, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders, particularly young women who aspire to create lasting change in Nigeria’s governance space.

Owing to that, Nigerians can’t wait to see the next Humanitarian Affairs Minister in this versatile personality, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.