16/08/2025
OUR HEROES:- ENGR IBRAHIM M. ALI
Engr. Ibrahim M. Ali is a Nigerian civil and environmental engineer turned public representative. His formal training in the U.S. set the stage for leadership roles in engineering consultancy and politics within Borno State. With interests ranging from artistic pursuits to technological engagement, he exemplifies a multifaceted professional rooted in both technical and civic spheres. He is a younger to Former Governor of Borno state Late. Alh Mala Kachalla fondly called "Man of Peace" (MAY ALJANNATU FIRDAUS BE HIS FINAL ABODE AMEEN).
Early Life & Education:
Born in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Attended Hausari and Uguru Central Primary Schools.
Earned a West African School Certificate (Grade I).
Studied Civil Engineering and received a B.Sc. from the University of Denver, Colorado, followed by an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Florida Technological University, USA.
Professional Career:
Served as Technical Director at C.R.G. Nigeria Ltd., a consulting engineering firm .
Political & Ministerial Roles:
Represented Maiduguri Constituency in the House of Representatives, affiliated with the Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP).
He’s described as a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and was later appointed as one of seven Honourary Special Advisers former Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State. In that role, his portfolio covered Agriculture and Special Projects.
Appointment Under Governor Shettima:
In January 2015, Governor Shettima announced his appointment of Engr. Ibrahim M. Ali among other prominent figures to serve as Honorary Special Adviser on Agriculture & Special Projects .
He served alongside former deputy governors and sector experts in an advisory capacity to the State Government.
Engineer Ibrahim Ali & the Borno PVC Pipe Factory.
Leadership & Strategic Role:
As former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Coordinator of Governor Kashim Shettima’s industrialization program, Engineer Ibrahim Ali spearheaded development of the PVC pipe factory in Maiduguri’s industrial hub .
He described the facility as the most comprehensive PVC pipe factory in Nigeria, operating six production lines with capacity to manufacture 64 types of pipes, including conduits, water hoses, irrigation drips, and borehole piping.
Production Capacity & Market Reach:
The factory is capable of producing one full year's demand for PVC pipes in Chad in just one month, positioning it as a major supplier to neighboring countries as well as states across Nigeria.
It supplies to markets across northeastern Nigeria and into Chad and regional irrigation agriculture, with capacity to fill gaps in municipal water supply and borehole drilling sectors.
Facility Features & Impact:
Equipped with six production lines, enabling large-scale and versatile output across pipe types.
Includes recycling plants for reclaiming broken pipes and reinvesting materials in new production.
Supports production of PVC school furniture (chairs, tables, desks), addressing the urgent educational infrastructure needs in post-insurgency Borno .
Economic & Social Benefits:
Created direct and indirect jobs, from factory floor staff to logistics, marketing, and recycling operations.
Reduced dependency on external suppliers especially critical given non-operational domestic refineries—by sourcing raw materials from Chad and other regional suppliers.
Aimed to significantly lower costs for irrigation and building infrastructure, vital for agriculture, water access, and school rebuilding efforts.
Engineer Ibrahim M. Ali directly served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Housing Authority (NHA) under his supervision Gwarimpa Housing Estate was constructed during the administration of General Sani Abacha, as part of national housing initiatives. It is recognized as the largest single housing estate in West Africa as at that time.
Engineer Ibrahim M. Ali & the Borno Solar Factory Role & Contribution:
As a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the executive lead for Governor Kashim Shettima’s industrialisation policy, Ibrahim Ali played a pivotal role in conceptualising and launching the Borno Solar Panel Factory in Maiduguri. He led the project from planning to implementation.
Ali described the facility as “Africa’s biggest” and “fully automated,” targeting an annual production capacity of 40 MW in solar modules of 300-watt output, with the aim of reaching self-sufficiency (120–150 MW) for Borno State within three years.
Vision & Objectives:
The factory is part of Shettima’s drive to revive Borno’s economy post-insurgency by jumpstarting local industry and energy generation through affordable solar power.
Key targets include delivering low-cost electricity to critical public services and small businesses—such as clinics, boreholes, schools, markets, and irrigation systems—to boost economic resilience and public welfare.
Personal Life & Interests:
Married to Ammuna since 1975.
Practicing Muslim with hobbies such as reading, sketching, computer technology, hockey, and travel, with visits to countries including USA, Canada, Italy, and the UK.