Profile: Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris – The Financial Strategist Behind Kogi’s Fiscal Reforms
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, is widely regarded as one of Kogi State’s leading public finance experts, with an impressive career spanning banking, public administration and economic management.
As the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, he has played a central role in shaping the state’s fiscal policies and driving financial reforms aimed at strengthening revenue generation and prudent public expenditure.
A seasoned accountant, financial manager and public administrator, Asiru Idris has earned recognition for his contributions to the financial stability of Kogi State through strategic budgeting, improved internally generated revenue (IGR) initiatives and fiscal discipline.
His performance during his first tenure in office earned him the confidence of the then Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who reappointed him Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in January 2020. He has continued to oversee the state’s financial management, navigating economic challenges associated with civil service reforms, changing tax structures and fluctuations in national revenue allocation.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 22, 1975, in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, Asiru Idris hails from the family of Alhaji Asiru Ijagbemi, a farmer, and Hajia Hawawu Ijagbemi, a trader and the Iyalaje of Bagido, Isanlu.
He attended AUD Primary School, Bagido, Isanlu, before proceeding to St. Kizito’s College, Isanlu, where he obtained his secondary school education.
He later earned a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics/Mathematics from the College of Education, Oro, Kwara State, before obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with Second Class Upper Division honours.
Determined to advance his academic qualifications, he obtained a Master’s degree in Accounting from Kogi State University, Anyigba, and, in 2025, completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership and Strategic Studies at Federal University Lokoja.
A chartered accountant by profession, Asiru Idris is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). He is also a student member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).
Banking Career
Before venturing into public service, Asiru Idris built a successful career in the banking sector with Zenith Bank Plc.
He began as an Executive Assistant and Head Teller, where he was responsible for customer service and operational efficiency. Through dedication and competence, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Executive Assistant in charge of Vault Administration and Cash Management.
He later served as Assistant Bank Officer and Head of Administration, overseeing procurement, branch administration and staff development.
Between 2007 and 2009, he headed the Retail and Commercial Banking Group, where he was involved in product pricing, business development and credit management. His innovative approach reportedly contributed significantly to business growth and expansion within the bank during the period.
His banking career continued on an upward trajectory as he became Assistant Manager and Head of Corporate Banking Group, managing relationships with major corporate clients and overseeing multimillion-dollar risk assets.
In 2015, he was appointed Branch Manager of Zenith Bank’s Obajana Branch, where he supervised operations and drove business growth before transitioning into public service.
Public Service
Asiru Idris joined the Kogi State Government in 2016 when former Governor Yahaya Bello appointed him Special Adviser on Finance and Economic Management.
In that capacity, he also served in an acting capacity as Commissioner for Finance, supervising the operations of the Ministry of Finance and contributing to the implementation of fiscal reforms.
Following his performance, he was appointed Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, a position in which he has continued to oversee budget implementation, financial planning, revenue management and economic policy formulation.
His tenure has been marked by efforts to improve fiscal transparency, strengthen internally generated revenue, promote prudent financial management and ensure effective allocation of public resources despite prevailing economic challenges.
Personal Life
Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris is married and blessed with three children. Outside his official engagements, he enjoys playing lawn tennis.
Over the years, he has established himself as a respected financial expert and public administrator, combining professional expertise with public service in the pursuit of sustainable economic development for Kogi State.
