The late Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Nigeria’s first Minister of Petroleum and former President of OPEC, lived and died with remarkable simplicity. Despite holding some of the most powerful positions in the country, he owned only a single house in Maiduguri — and even that was built through a loan arrangement.
In 1974, Monguno sought to build his home and applied for a N40,000 loan from a bank. The bank required a guarantor, so he approached then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for support. Gowon, however, refused, insisting it would amount to abuse of office.
Determined, Monguno turned to Julius Berger, who agreed to build the house on one condition: the company would rent it out until his salary fully repaid the N40,000 cost. He accepted, and that was how he came to own the modest bungalow that remained his only property until his passing.
Born in 1926 in Monguno, Borno State, Monguno’s career spanned politics, education, and diplomacy. He served as: MP in Borno State (1959), Education Secretary and Councilor for Education, Works and Social Welfare (1959–1965), Minister of Air Force and Internal Affairs (1965–1966), Federal Commissioner for Trade and Industries (1967–1971), Minister of Mines, Power, Petroleum and Energy (1972–1975).
He was also elected President of OPEC between 1972 and 1973, represented Nigeria at the United Nations for over a decade, and led the Nigerian delegation to UNCTAD II in New Delhi in 1968.
Beyond Nigeria, his influence was recognized globally. He received keys to the cities of New York, Louisville (Kentucky, USA), Quito (Ecuador), and Lima (Peru). Yet, in sharp contrast to many leaders of his era and beyond, he left no wealth behind.
Monguno also contested for the presidency during the Option A4 elections in the early 1990s, cementing his status as a consistent public servant.
Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno died on July 8, 2016, in Maiduguri at the age of 90. His legacy of integrity continues to inspire many Nigerians who wonder aloud: “Why can’t we have such men in power today again?”
May his soul rest in peace.
