UMAR AJIYA BIOGRAPHY- Umar Isa Ajiya, born 12 March 1965, is a Nigerian accountant and former CFO of NNPC, known for spearheading financial reforms in the oil sector.
UMAR AJIYA PROFILE
| Name | Umar Ajiya |
| Real Name | Umar Isa Ajiya |
| Date Of Birth | 12 March 1965 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| State Of Origin | Sokoto State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Accountant |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
UMAR AJIYA BIOGRAPHY
Born on 12 March 1965, in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria. He hails from a respected family and grew up with deep cultural and traditional values that shaped his outlook on leadership and public service.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1987. He later pursued further studies and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lagos State University in 1998.
To enhance his executive competencies, Ajiya also undertook advanced management programs at leading global institutions, including Cambridge University, INSEAD, Wharton, and IESE Business School.
CAREER
Ajiya began his professional journey during his NYSC program at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria in Kaduna in 1987. He joined Elf Petroleum Nigeria (now Total Nigeria) in 1988 and later became a pioneer staff member at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in 1991. At NLNG, he rose through the ranks to serve in several high-profile positions including Treasury Manager, Finance Manager, and Manager, Marketing and Business Development.
He joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the General Manager (Commercial) for LNG and played a vital role in the establishment of NNPC LNG Limited. He was also the pioneer Managing Director of West Africa LPG Limited, where he helped introduce the company’s own LPG vessel in 2016.
In March 2016, Ajiya was appointed Group General Manager, Corporate Planning & Strategy at NNPC, where he restructured the corporate business model and revived the Price Review Committee. In July 2017, he was made Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), where he introduced reforms that saved the country ₦72 billion annually and led PPMC to record profits for the first time in its 28-year history.
In July 2019, he was appointed Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts (CFO) of NNPC. Under his leadership, NNPC declared its first profit in 44 years—₦287 billion in 2020, growing to over ₦3.3 trillion by 2023. He also played a key role in financial reforms and commercialization efforts in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Notably, he facilitated major financial deals:
- $1 billion to settle NPDC tax liabilities.
- $1 billion equity for Nigeria’s stake in the Dangote Refinery.
- $3 billion crude-backed loan to support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize the naira.
CONTROVERSIES
In 2025, Umar Ajiya became embroiled in a major national controversy. He was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged $7.2 billion fraud tied to the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries.
EFCC investigations allege that significant sums—allocated for the turnaround maintenance of the refineries—were either misused or unaccounted for, with some traced to personal accounts of officials involved. Ajiya was among 14 former NNPC executives, including ex-GMD Mele Kyari, named in an EFCC request for financial records. His arrest marks a turning point in the anti-corruption efforts targeting Nigeria’s oil sector. As of now, legal proceedings are ongoing, and no formal conviction has been announced.
UMAR AJIYA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
Umar Ajiya is not active on social media.
PERSONAL LIFE
Umar Ajiya is married and has children. He is a traditional titleholder in his home state, bearing the title “Ajiyan Sokoto,” which reflects his standing and contributions to community development. He has also served as Co-Chair of the Sokoto State Economic Advisory Council and is involved in youth empowerment and educational initiatives in northern Nigeria.
UMAR AJIYA NET WORTH
Umar Ajiya’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed.