About Muktar Tolani Shagaya

Biography of Muktar Tolani Shagaya

Muktar Tolani Shagaya is a Nigerian politician, international development professional and businessman from Kwara State. He was born on 16 December 1989 in Ilorin, Kwara State, and is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He represents the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Shagaya began his education at the Lebanese Community School in Yaba, Lagos, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He subsequently attended Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State, and Rockwell College in Ireland. He later studied at Malvern College in Worcestershire, United Kingdom, before proceeding to the University of Plymouth, where he obtained a B.Sc. in International Relations. He also earned a master's degree in International Development and Development Management from the University of Manchester.

Before entering politics, Shagaya developed professional experience in finance, energy, manufacturing and development. He began his career in 2013 as a Junior Assistant at Infrastructure Bank PLC. He later worked as Business Development Manager at Karmod Nigeria Prefabricated Technologies and served as an Energy Executive at the Rural Electrification Agency, where he was involved in community engagement and development programmes.

He also served as an executive director at Asolar Systems Nigeria Limited, a company involved in solar energy solutions. His professional work exposed him to issues relating to energy access, rural development, business development and international donor-supported programmes, including initiatives involving rural communities.

Shagaya entered elective politics with the APC and contested the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general election. He won the election and became a member of the 10th National Assembly. Since taking office, he has participated in legislative activities and has sponsored and co-sponsored bills and motions covering areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and electoral matters.

Within the House of Representatives, Shagaya serves as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Basic Education and Services. His legislative work has included advocacy for stronger investment in basic education and measures intended to improve educational institutions and opportunities for young Nigerians. He has also been involved in constituency empowerment programmes and community development initiatives.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Shagaya contested the APC primary for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency and emerged as the party's candidate. He secured 77,625 votes in the primary, retaining the APC ticket for the constituency.

Muktar Tolani Shagaya's career combines international development, energy-sector experience, business, grassroots politics and legislative service. His work in the National Assembly has focused on representation, education, infrastructure, economic development and constituency programmes, while his 2027 candidacy marks his bid to continue representing Ilorin West and Asa at the federal level.