Mariam Yalwaji Katagum

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Mariam Yalwaji Katagum (born 18 November 1954 in Azare, Bauchi State) is Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment. She was appointed to the role by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Education and early career: Katagum earned a BA in English and a Graduate Certificate in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1976), and a Master’s in Administration and Planning from the University of Lagos (1985). In 1999 she received a Certificate in Social Development Policy from University College London and a UNESCO Fellowship. She began her career with the Water Board in Jos and taught at Federal Government College Azare (1977–1981). She also worked at the Federal Scholarship Board in Lagos (1981–1984).

UNESCO and government service: From 1985 to 2000 she was with the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, later becoming Director for Special Projects (2000–2001) and then Secretary General (from 2001). She gave a notable speech at a UNU-UNESCO conference in Paris in 2004. In 2006 she began overseeing the National and International Partnership Division of the Federal Ministry of Education. In June 2009 she was appointed Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, and she has served on many UNESCO committees and groups.

As minister: Katagum advocates for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to help Nigeria realize its economic gains.