Idris Waziri

Who is Idris Waziri?

Ambassador Idris Waziri headed the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Commerce, until the June 2006 cabinet reshuffle, when he was replaced by Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

Waziri gained a degree at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, then joined the government as an administrative officer. He had a successful career, becoming a Permanent Secretary and then Commissioner of Finance, Commerce and Industry, retiring in 1993. He then worked in private industry. He was a founding member of the People's Democratic Party In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan. He was appointed as Minister of Commerce in July 2003.

During his tenure as commerce minister, Waziri was known for his enthusiasm for exporting cassava.